The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has announced Hamilton as the location for its newest expansion team, set to join the league for the 2026-27 season. This strategic move, revealed on Wednesday, May 13, positions Hamilton as the ninth team in the rapidly expanding league, following previous additions like the Vancouver Goldeneyes and Seattle Torrent. The announcement, shared by Michelle Stephens via social media, signifies a continued commitment to growing professional women's hockey.
The new Hamilton team will play its home games at TD Coliseum, a venue that previously hosted a successful PWHL Takeover Tour game during the 2025-26 season. That event saw an impressive 16,012 fans pack the stands to watch the Seattle Torrent face off against the Toronto Sceptres, demonstrating significant local interest in women's hockey. The team's colors have been revealed as gold, maroon, and cream, though the official team name is yet to be announced and they are expected to play as PWHL Hamilton initially.
Hamilton's entry into the PWHL will also coincide with the arrival of a new American Hockey League (AHL) team, the Bridgeport Islanders, who will relocate to the city under a new name for the 2026-27 season. This development means Hamilton, which previously lacked professional hockey teams, will soon boast two. The addition of Hamilton marks the fifth Canadian city to host a PWHL team, establishing a natural rivalry with the Toronto Sceptres, also located in Ontario.
A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, at 10:30 AM ET, where further details regarding PWHL Hamilton are expected to be unveiled. This expansion underscores the league's robust growth and increasing footprint across North America, building on the momentum generated by its successful inaugural seasons and strong fan engagement. The league continues to capitalize on the rising popularity of women's sports, securing new markets and expanding its competitive landscape.
