Seattle, Meet Your New Hockey Obsession - and Your First PWHL Playoff Team

PWHL Seattle
Written By Charles Hamaker

By Silvia Leija-Rosas, edited by Charles Hamaker

Seattle, WA - Big news just dropped today: Seattle is officially getting a PWHL team.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League - home to some of the best hockey talent on the planet - announced on Wednesday, April 30th, that it will add a second expansion franchise ahead of it's third season. Seattle will join Vancouver, B.C., in the now eight-team league.

Seattle sports stars, such as the Storm’s Skylar Diggins, joined Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and PWHL executives Jayna Hefford and Amy Scheer to welcome the team to the league at Climate Pledge Arena. 

“The opportunity to start a new chapter of women’s hockey in the Pacific Northwest ... has so much meaning for our league. The (NHL’s Seattle) Kraken already have been unbelievably supportive, and it’s a joy to have PWHL Seattle join the WNBA’s Storm and the NWSL’s Reign, who are skyscrapers in the city’s towering sports landscape.”
— Amy Scheer, executive vice president of PWHL business operations, in an official statement.

Following the PWHL’s official press conference to announce the expansion team awarded to Seattle, the Seattle and PWHL leaders posed for a photo. (Photo by Kevin Ng for Circling Seattle Sports)

That means Seattle’s already thriving hockey scene is about to get even better. But before our team hits the ice, there’s a golden opportunity to get in on the action early: the 2024–2025 Walter Cup Playoffs.

The PWHL’s second postseason is just about here, and with six hard-fought teams battling for the Cup, it’s time for Seattle fans to pick a squad and start riding the playoff wave before their team forms this summer.

Let’s break down how the PWHL playoffs work, who’s clinched, and how you can find your playoff team before Seattle hits the ice.

The Playoff Format

The PWHL features six franchises currently: three in Canada (Montréal Victoire, Toronto Sceptres, Ottawa Charge) and three in the United States (Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, New York Sirens). Each team plays 30 regular-season games using a 3-point system:

  • 3 points for a regulation win

  • 2 points for an OT/SO win

  • 1 point for an OT/SO loss

  • 0 points for a regulation loss

The top four teams advance to the playoffs. The semifinals and finals are best-of-five series, with the winner crowned the Walter Cup Champion.

With the regular season nearly complete, Montréal has clinched a playoff spot and is guaranteed a top-two seed. They sit at the top of the standings with 50 points and are heavy favorites to secure the number one seed heading into the postseason. Toronto, with 47 points, is in second place and has also clinched their playoff berth.

As of the time of writing (April 30th), Minnesota and Ottawa are still in the fight. With 38 points heading into their game tonight, Minnesota, the reigning Walter Cup champions, needed to win tonight’s game against the Ottawa Charge in regulation or be eliminated from playoff contention and have since done so by a final score of 3-0 to give themselves 41 standings points. With 42 points and a three-game win streak, Ottawa needed one point against the Freeze to clinch their first playoffs and they came up empty tonight.

Boston, with 44 points, is currently in third and will clinch its playoff spot with a Frost loss in regulation. 

New York, with 27 points, has been officially eliminated from playoff contention.

Who are you watching? 

Want That Kraken - Style Underdog Energy? Jump on Ottawa’s Train

Ottawa has quietly built one of the grittiest teams in the league — no flash, just hustle. Their relentless forecheck and clutch goaltending scream “don’t count us out,” much like the Kraken’s scrappy 2022-23 playoff run. Ottawa brings the drama if you love underdogs who don’t flinch under pressure.

Player to Watch: Tereza Vanišová

Vanišová made headlines this season by recording the league's first Gordie Howe hat trick — a goal, an assist, and a fight — showcasing her all-around game and fiery competitiveness. 

Craving a Juggernaut? Toronto’s Built for a Deep Run

Toronto is loaded with Olympic-level talent, and they play like it. They’re organized, fast, and downright scary in the offensive zone. This might be your bandwagon for Seattle fans who like to root for greatness and appreciate seeing elite systems work like clockwork. Bonus: A year ago, Toronto finished atop the league in the regular season but fell to the Frost in the semifinals after blowing a 2-0 series lead. They’re coming into the postseason with a chip on their shoulder, which makes it fun no matter where your loyalty lies.

Player to Watch: Renata Fast

A two-time Olympian for Team Canada, Fast was part of the 2022 gold medal-winning team and the 2018 team that earned a silver medal. She has been a versatile defender this season, ranking first in assists (15), and will most likely be a PWHL MVP award contender.

The Boston Fleet were deemed the “home team” for the PWHL Takeover Tour stop in Seattle on January 5th, 2025 against the Montréal Victoire at Climate Pledge Arena. (Photos by Rio Giancarlo for Circling Seattle Sports)

Missing That Pacific Northwest Physicality? Boston’s Got You

Boston brings the edge. They play a heavy game — physical, disciplined, and made for playoff grind-fests. Think tight-checking, hard-nosed matchups where every shot and blocked pass matters. If you loved those Kraken overtime seat clencher games this season, then Boston is your team.

Boston Fleet defender and alternate captain Megan Keller during the PWHL Takeover Tour game at Climate Pledge Arena on January 5th, 2025 against the Montréal Victoire. (Photos by Rio Giancarlo for Circling Seattle Sports)

Player to Watch: Megan Keller

Keller, an alternate captain for Boston, has contributed significantly from the blue line with 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists) this season. 

Vibes-Only? Montréal Is Your Team

Montréal has style — on the ice and off. Their offense is creative, their fanbase is wild, and their games are an event. This team oozes charisma. If you want a side of drama, intensity, and highlight-reel goals with your playoff experience, Montréal is an easy pick. Plus, nothing’s more fun than watching them try to knock Toronto off their pedestal.

The Montréal Victoire were deemed the “away team” for the Seattle stop of the PWHL Takeover Tour against the Boston Fleet on January 5th, 2025 at Climate Pledge Arena. (Photos by Rio Giancarlo for Circling Seattle Sports)

Player to Watch: Marie-Philip Poulin

Poulin, Montréal’s captain, has been a consistent offensive force, including recording the first hat trick of the 2024-25 PWHL season against Ottawa. 

Want to cheer for a back-to-back?

Minnesota fought its way to its first Walter Cup with grit and heart last year after coming in fourth place during the regular season. They’re a no-quit squad that Seattle fans will respect, and they’re looking to bring the Cup back to the State of Hockey for a second year. If you want to say, “I liked them before it was cool,” this is your chance.

Player to Watch: Taylor Heise

Heise led the PWHL Playoffs in goals (five) and tied for first in points (eight) during the 2024 Walter Cup run, earning her the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP award. 

Still Can’t Decide? That’s the Best Part

The best thing about this playoff run is that Seattle fans can enjoy it all without the heartbreak of elimination (yet). Pick a team, watch them fly, or follow the entire league and get a feel for the rivalries we’ll inherit once our Seattle squad hits the ice. And who knows, players that perform well for their respective teams during this postseason could end up on Seattle’s roster before next season.

What’s certain? When that day comes, Seattle will be ready.

Where to Watch the PWHL Walter Cup Playoffs:

Instagram: @CirclingSeattleSports Twitter: @CirclingSports Threads: @CirclingSeattleSports Tiktok: @CirclingSeattleSports Facebook: Circling Seattle Sports BlueSky: @circlingseasports.bsky.social

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Instagram: @CirclingSeattleSports Twitter: @CirclingSports Threads: @CirclingSeattleSports Tiktok: @CirclingSeattleSports Facebook: Circling Seattle Sports BlueSky: @circlingseasports.bsky.social 〰️

Charles Hamaker
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