By the Numbers: Breaking Records and Making History in the PWHL

The PWHL has been on an absolute roll, breaking records, shattering expectations and proving that women’s sports are more than ready for the spotlight. With its ambitious goals, the league has reached some remarkable achievements that have captured the attention of fans all around the world. Here’s a closer look at some of the PWHL’s groundbreaking achievements.

Worldwide Record for Attendance

Courtesy of Evan Milner

In April 2024, the PWHL set a record that will go down in history. The league hosted the highest-attended women’s hockey game of all time, with an astounding 21,105 fans filling the Bell Centre in Montréal, Canada. This game marked a turning point for the visibility of women’s professional sports, proving that women’s hockey has the ability to draw the same level of excitement and passion as men’s leagues. The energy inside the arena was off the charts and the message was clear: women’s hockey is here, and it’s taking over.

The Bell Centre, a well-known venue in the heart of Montréal, is known for hosting iconic hockey games, and filling one of the most iconic arenas in hockey is a massive achievement in itself. This landmark moment made history by proving that women’s sports can compete with their male counterparts in terms of drawing crowds.

And the best part? It was only the beginning. The PWHL has since inspired other cities to follow suit, with larger arenas and more fans eager to cheer on the incredible athletes that make up the league.

U.S. Attendance Record

Courtesy of David Guralnick/Detroit News via AP

The PWHL isn’t just making history in Canada, but it’s also taking over the United States, too. On March 16, the league set a new U.S. attendance record with a shocking 14,288 fans packing the stands in Detroit during the ongoing Takeover Tour. This was another huge milestone that proved women’s hockey can be a powerhouse in both Canada and the U.S.

The excitement in Detroit was inspiring, with fans cheering and showing up in support of their teams. It was another clear sign that the demand for women’s sports is on the rise, and the PWHL is leading the way in bringing the energy. This record is a celebration of the athletes, the league and the undeniable growth of women’s hockey in the U.S.

One Millions Fans

Courtesy of the PWHL

During the same game that broke the U.S. attendance record, the PWHL hit yet another major milestone. One million fans have now cheered on the league since its inception. This number is a surreal celebration of how far the league has come. The one-millionth fan walked through the doors in Detroit on March 16, and it was a moment to remember.

Reaching one million fans is a huge deal, and it shows just how much the PWHL has grown in such a short time. It shows how many fans have been a part of the league’s journey, showing their support and passion for the players and the game. The diverse community of hockey lovers has put their belief in the power of women’s sports, and surpassing one million fans is just the beginning of an even bigger journey.

First-Ever Michigan Goal

Courtesy of Rich Graessle/Getty Images

The PWHL has been full of highlight-reel goals, but a recent goal is one for the history books. On March 22, Abby Roque of the New York Sirens scored the very first Michigan, or lacrosse goal ever in the league, making history that adds even more excitement. It was a jaw-dropping moment against the Ottawa Charge that left fans and opponents in pure awe.

The Michigan is one of the flashiest goals in hockey. It takes incredible hands, perfect timing and pure confidence to pull it off in a game. And Roque? She made it look effortless. The arena erupted and fans knew they’d just witnessed something special.

Most Goals in a Game

Courtesy of Chris Tanouye/The Canadian Press

Offensive firepower isn’t something the league lacks, but the Ottawa Charge took it to another level. The team set a new record by scoring a mind-blowing eight goals in a single game against the Minnesota Frost on February 13. It was an absolute barnburner of a game, showcasing the Charge’s offensive abilities and sending the message that they mean business to the rest of the league.

Scoring eight goals in a single game is no small feat, and the Charge’s record-breaking performance had fans on the edge of their seats the whole time. Their dominant performance is just one example of the kind of thrilling moments fans can expect from the league, with games that make it impossible to look away.

Longest Game in League History

Courtesy of the PWHL

If you thought the PWHL couldn’t get any more intense, think again! During the 2024 playoffs, the Boston Fleet and Montréal Victoire battled it out in the longest game in league history. The game went into triple overtime, with Taylor Wenczkowski of the Fleet ending an exciting 111 minutes and 44 seconds of hockey. It turned into a marathon of skill and endurance, rather than just a game.

Both teams’ performances of stamina and determination were on full display as they fought through an exhausting triple-overtime battle to push for victory. Every shift felt as though it could be the game-winning moment, showcasing the competitive fire of the incredible athletes.

Edited by Jenna Mandarano