New Teams in Women’s Professional Hockey
In an exciting move for women’s professional hockey, the PWHL has announced the launch of two new teams: the Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes. This announcement was made on Thursday, revealing the logos and names designed to resonate with the unique identities of these two Pacific Northwest cities.
Expansion Initiative
April marked the beginning of this expansion initiative when the league revealed plans to increase its roster from six to eight teams for the upcoming third season. Fans can look forward to the inaugural matchup on November 21, when Seattle faces off against Vancouver right from the start.
Team Logos and Identities
The Torrent logo features an S-shaped design with the team name integrated, symbolizing the dynamic rivers and streams that significantly shape Washington’s landscapes. Meanwhile, the Goldeneyes, named after a common duck found in northern climates including Vancouver and throughout British Columbia, is represented by a logo showcasing a feathery golden eye looking northwest.
“These new identities are both bold and representative of our league’s ethos,” commented PWHL Executive Vice President of Business Operations, Amy Scheer.
Each team emblem is crafted to mirror the essence of its respective locale. Kanan Bhatt-Shah, PWHL’s marketing VP, highlighted the Goldeneyes as the first team to adopt an animal-themed moniker in the league, differentiating it from previously established names like the Ottawa Charge and New York Sirens.
Bhatt-Shah noted the qualities of the common golden eye—strength, speed, and protectiveness—that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of a PWHL team. Similarly, the Torrent moniker aligns closely with the aquatic imagery of other Seattle sports franchises, such as the WNBA’s Storm and the NHL’s Kraken. With a playful nod, she responded to questions about the prevalence of “S” names in the league, hinting at a unique kind of pride associated with this letter.
Team Colors and Jerseys
The team’s color schemes have also been established, with Seattle adopting emerald green and cream, while Vancouver will don Pacific blue and cream. However, it’s noteworthy that the teams will temporarily forgo displaying the new logos on their jerseys this season, opting instead for city names across the front. This decision stems from the timing of the branding process and the need to secure patent rights before jerseys could be ordered.
Player Lineups
The Torrent has already welcomed its first player, Hilary Knight, who will represent the U.S. in her fifth Winter Olympics this February. Vancouver’s lineup boasts Canadian national team stars Sarah Nurse and Claire Thompson, along with local forward, Jenn Gardiner.
Reflecting on the team identity, Gardiner expressed, “When I think of the Goldeneyes, I envision the breathtaking British Columbia landscape—its mountains, ocean, and the resilience that comes from growing up in this remarkable region.”
Looking Ahead
As the PWHL prepares to ascend into a new era with the introduction of these franchises, both fans and players eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for women’s hockey in the region.
