Professional women’s hockey is coming to Seattle

Following the June 24 Professional Women’s Hockey League draft and expansion draft before that, the Seattle franchise, which has yet to be named, has developed a roster for their first season, which will begin late 2025.

In just the second season after kicking off in 2023-24, the PWHL announced expansion to Seattle and Vancouver for the 2025-26 season.

“It was a little bit daunting at first, but then you read what cities you are expanding to and it is just excitement and how do you get out there to play for Seattle,” newcomer Hilary Knight said.

“Whenever there is a first, there are so many unknowns, but it’s about understanding and trusting the general manager. We have a great group of women now and it’s all gravy now. I can’t wait for puck drop,” Knight added.

The team with no nickname has Team USA legend Hilary Knight leading the charge. Following a strong campaign with the Boston Fleet in the league’s first season, Knight is ready to play in front of Seattle fans.

Joining Knight is fellow Team USA member and Ohio State Buckeye alum Cayla Barnes in Seattle. She played for the Montreal Victoire, who traveled to Climate Pledge Arena in the league’s inaugural season.

“Coming here and playing was super fun. I had never played here before, so it was really fun to get in the city and explore around. The game obviously was electric. I remember subbing out, and fans were screaming, and the place was packed. That was super exiting to see the fans rally around women’s sports. That’s a great sign for what is to come,” Barnes said.

In her personal career, Barnes has medaled in two Olympics and helped Ohio State to a Division I title back in 2024. With Montréal, Barnes played in 30 games, recorded two goals and had 11 assists.

“I think Monteal’s an amazing hockey market. Their fans and passion for hockey are like none other. That was a really fun environment, especially in an unfamiliar environment,” Barnes said.

Seattle’s PWHL team will play its inaugural season at Climate Pledge Arena. Playing in a professional arena is no small feat. But it’s a feat that the players, coaches and staff are ready for, especially Knight.

Knight’s resume speaks for itself: an Olympic gold medalist, and a three time silver medalist in the Olympics. She earned a 2023 gold in the women’s world championship and was named the 2023 International Ice Hockey Federation’s Female Player of the Year. Barnes has been a teammate alongside Knight at the Olympic level, and now is teammates with her at the club level.

“I’ve had the privilege to get to know Hilary over the years and play with her on various national teams. She’s pushed our game so much further than a lot of people could ever imagine. To share this space and continue to build our relationship is something I’m super honored to be a part of,” Barnes said.

Seattle has become one of the leading cities for women’s sports. The WNBA’s Storm are arguably the most successful sport in Seattle in terms of championships. The Reign have never been more popular and are playing inside Lumen Field, and even at the collegiate level, Salmon Bay FC and the West Seattle Rhodies are making waves in their own communities.

The Seattle women’s hockey franchise is ready to come out and give fans even more to cheer about in the women’s professional sport environment.

“That’s what makes Seattle unique, the opportunity to be a part of the pro women’s sports scene,” Knight said. “The women’s pro sports front in Seattle is outstanding and we want to be a part of of that conversation. To be a part of that conversation it requires some winning and getting involved. But I think everyone here is up for it.”

Before the Kraken took the city by storm, Washington was still a hockey state with the WHL leading the way. Youth teams like the Tacoma Rockets, Sno-King Thunderbirds and others have paved the way for youth hockey in the Seattle area. Knight knows if the PWHL is going to make a lasting impact, it starts at the grassroots level.

“Having a presence in the arena is important, but equally is our presence in the community. Establishing ourselves here in the city and being a part of everything, you want your on-ice performance to speak for itself and you want to go out in the community and do the work there that needs to be done,” said Knight.

The PWHL is giving youth hockey players an avenue to professionalism in their home country, creating more opportunities to play and not just for the national team.

“It was sort of a national team or bust situation, which isn’t the best way to develop a sport. There wasn’t even a path to a career. To have a league and a place to elevate the game is important. There are so many great things that come along with the PWHL. Elevating hockey in general, more jobs for women, there are just so many things that come into play,” Knight said.

Professional women’s sports have never been more popular than they are today. With the hype and intrigue in the WNBA and NWSL, the PWHL is a little behind but looking to take strides just like those other two leagues.

“The women’s space over the past few years in particular has exploded. It’s not just one women’s sport, it’s multiple women’s sports exploding at the same time. We are truly in this movement at the same time, on our own path but fighting for the same thing,” Barnes said.

Photo by Alex Wohl/The PWHL The PWHL regular season game between the Montreal Victoire’s Cayla Barnes and the New York Sirens at Prudential Center on March 12, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey, USA.