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PWHL in Seattle and We Were Ready!

Writer's picture: Womens Pro Hockey SeattleWomens Pro Hockey Seattle

Updated: Jan 16

Photo by Vanya Tucherov


The Pacific Northwest came alive with anticipation and enthusiasm as the PWHL Takeover Tour descended upon Seattle on January 4-5, 2024. The city, renowned for its sports culture and vibrant community spirit, became the epicenter of women’s professional hockey for a weekend packed with excitement both on and off the ice.


Fans flocked to the Kraken Iceplex on Saturday, where the Montreal Victoire and the Boston Fleet held open practices. Each drill and on-ice action were met with cheers that rivaled the energy of a live game, as spectators showed their admiration for the skill and dedication of these world-class athletes. Beyond the rink, a sold-out clinic for young girls offered the next generation of hockey players the chance to learn from their idols, while autograph sessions and PWHL player visits to Seattle landmarks created an electric atmosphere throughout the city.


The weekend’s grand finale took place Sunday at Climate Pledge Arena, where over 12,600 fans packed the stands for a dramatic showdown between Boston and Montreal. In a nail-biting game that ended in a shootout, the Fleet edged out the Victoire 3-2, solidifying the event as an unforgettable moment in Seattle’s hockey history. The game’s thrilling conclusion and spirited atmosphere underscored Seattle’s readiness for a PWHL team, aligning with the rallying cry of the Women’s Pro Hockey Seattle campaign: “We Are Ready.”


On-Ice Highlights:

  • 12,608 fans attended: marking the largest PWHL crowd in the U.S. market this season (update: Denver tops the record weeks later at 14,018)

  • Boston's Comeback Victory: The Fleet mounted an impressive rally after trailing 2-0 in the first period, tying the game in regulation and ultimately clinching the win in a shootout.

  • Hannah Bilka Shines: Rookie Hannah Bilka delivered a standout performance, contributing a power-play goal, an assist on the game-tying goal, and a decisive shootout score for Boston.

  • Susanna Tapani: played a crucial role in the game when she scored the game-tying goal for Boston and provided the team with a victory with the final shootout goal.

  • Aerin Frankel’s Heroics: Boston’s goaltender Aerin Frankel was a fortress between the pipes, making 23 saves and proving instrumental in the shootout victory.


Off-Ice Highlights:

The event was more than just a hockey game; it was a celebration of community, empowerment, and the future of women’s sports. A host of prominent figures added to the weekend’s excitement:

  • Jessica Campbell’s Ceremonial Puck Drop: The first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history for the Seattle Kraken, Jessica dropped the puck between her PWHL friends, Montreal’s Marie-Philip Poulin and Boston’s Hilary Knight.

  • Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe: The legendary sports and Seattle power-couple drew cheers from the crowd, with Rapinoe’s spirited scarf-waving moment becoming an instant fan favorite.

  • Yanni Gourde and Daughter Emma: Kraken forward Yanni Gourde and his six-year-old daughter Emma participated in pre-game festivities, with Emma enthusiastically announcing Montreal’s starting lineup.

  • Seattle Kraken Support: Kraken players Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, Philipp Grubauer, Joey Daccord, and others joined Kraken President Tod Leiweke to show their support for the PWHL.

  • J.T. and Lexi Brown: Kraken sports broadcaster J.T. Brown and his wife Lexi, an advocate for diversity and inclusion in hockey, added their presence to the celebration.

  • Local Leaders and Icons: Beth Knox, President and CEO of the Seattle Sports Commission, Sarah Bergstrom of Togethxr, and Jen Barnes, owner of the Rough and Tumble Pub, also joined the festivities, showcasing the city’s unified backing for women’s hockey.


The PWHL Takeover Tour’s Seattle stop demonstrated not only the city’s enthusiasm for professional women’s hockey but also its potential as a future expansion market. From competitive action on the ice to community-driven events off it, the weekend captured the heart and soul of a city eager to embrace the PWHL. Seattle didn’t just host a game—it made a statement: the Emerald City is ready for women’s professional hockey to thrive.


PWHL Practice at the Kraken Community Iceplex -- Gallery

Photos by Vanya Tucherov as indicated


PWHL Game - Montreal vs. Boston -- Gallery

Photos by Andy Glass Photography as indicated


Kraken Assistant Coach Campbell Drops the Puck


King5 Sports:

Record-breaking Seattle turnout fuels hopes for future women's hockey expansion

Author: Arielle Orsuto

Published: January 5, 2025


King5 Sports:

High school hockey player seeks more diversity in sport and aids in effort to bring pro women's team to Seattle

Author: Arielle Orsuto

Published: January 8, 2025


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