The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is set to expand with two new teams, the Vancouver Goldeneyes and Seattle Torrent. These names were officially announced on Thursday, marking an exciting chapter for women’s hockey in the Pacific region.
First Game and Logo Reveal
The Vancouver Goldeneyes will host the Seattle Torrent in their inaugural game on November 21, 2023. This matchup will take place at Pacific Coliseum, where the teams’ logos will be prominently displayed at center ice.
Team Branding and Inspiration
The branding strategy for these franchises aims to resonate with local culture and nature. Kanan Bhatt-Shah, PWHL’s vice president of brand and marketing, emphasized the importance of authenticity in the team identities. Both teams draw significant inspiration from their natural surroundings.
Vancouver Goldeneyes
- The name Goldeneyes is derived from a local seabird known for its protective nature and striking yellow eyes.
- The team’s colors include Pacific blue, coastal cream, earthy bronze, and hints of sunset gold and sky blue.
- Forward Jenn Gardiner expressed pride in representing British Columbia’s vibrant landscape through the team’s identity.
Seattle Torrent
- The Torrent logo features a stylized “S,” symbolizing both Seattle and the region’s waterways.
- This branding reflects Seattle’s frequent rainfall and natural beauty.
- Forward Hilary Knight highlighted the significance of the city’s sports culture being tied to the new identity.
Merchandise and Team Uniforms
Although the branding is established, Los Angeles and Seattle will initially wear jerseys displaying their city names instead of the new logos. Bhatt-Shah noted that this approach follows the tradition set by the original PWHL teams during their debut season.
Season Schedule and Format
The PWHL will kick off its regular season on November 21, with each team scheduled to play 30 games. There will be a break for the Olympics integrated into the season schedule.
Community Engagement
PWHL conducted engagement sessions with community members from Vancouver and Seattle to ensure that local feedback was incorporated into the branding process. Bhatt-Shah remarked on the passion and enthusiasm of fans, which played a critical role in shaping the team identities.
The introduction of the Vancouver Goldeneyes and Seattle Torrent marks a pivotal moment for women’s professional hockey, promising a bright future for the sport in North America.
