Seattle's Hockey Buzz: Hilary Knight and the PWHL’s Big Leap

Hilary Knight, a hockey star with a long history in Boston, has seen her fair share of dedicated fans. But nothing compares to the crowd she witnessed in Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena in 2022. With over 14, 000 fans cheering, it was a record-breaking night for women’s professional hockey. Knight, who played for Team USA, scored two goals and an assist, helping her team win 4-2. She noted that this event showed how much women’s hockey has grown and improved. Fast forward to 2024, and Knight is returning to Seattle with her new team, the Boston Fleet. The Fleet will face the Montreal Victoire as part of the PWHL’s Takeover Tour. This tour includes games in nine major NHL arenas across the US and Canada, showcasing the professionalism and unity of the PWHL. Knight sees this as a significant step forward for women’s hockey, which has often struggled with funding and support. During the PWHL’s first season, they played in several NHL arenas, testing the waters with mixed results. Some games had packed houses, while others struggled to fill seats. But key events, like the matchup between Boston and Ottawa, drew over 13, 000 fans, setting new records.

Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, with a capacity of 17, 200, is ready for another big game. Although not every seat will be filled, the lower bowl is almost sold out. Knight believes this match is crucial for the growth of both the PWHL and women’s hockey. She's excited to play in a true sports city like Seattle and expects a fantastic game. The Takeover Tour offers the PWHL a chance to gauge interest in potential expansion cities. Besides Seattle and Detroit, they’ll visit Vancouver, Denver, Quebec City, Edmonton, Buffalo, Raleigh, and St. Louis. While there’s no official word on expansion, it’s a clear next step for the league. For now, the PWHL is using these neutral-site games to reach new fans and grow the sport beyond its current six markets. Knight and her team are thrilled with this opportunity. “Who knows if we’ll be back in a few years? ” Knight said, “But it’s exciting to have this chance to play here. ”

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