This past Saturday night, 18,006 fans filled the “World’s Most Famous arena” to see the Sirens take on the Torrent in a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game — a U.S. arena attendance record for women’s ice hockey. The Sirens normally play their home games at the Prudential Center in Newark. Bringing a game to the Garden was expensive, but the event held deep meaning for those who have been part of the league’s creation.
“I’m not surprised we sold out MSG (Madison Square Garden); it’s a testament to the caliber of play that we have, our fanbase, the product that we put together, and the work that we do when the lights aren’t bright,” said Hilary Knight, captain of the Seattle Torrent, after her team’s 2-1 loss to the New York Sirens. “I hope it’s not a moment, I hope we’re back here — it’s truly incredible.”
Before the game, PWHL advisory board members tennis and women’s sports icon Billie Jean King and Los Angeles Dodgers president/CEO Stan Kasten met with the media. Kasten explained how the PWHL was formed when players said that they wanted a women’s professional hockey league that truly treated them like professionals. This meant housing, transportation, quality uniforms and equipment, real arenas, and a voice in how the league is run.
King spoke of her own connection to the Garden, having played in the arena for the Virginia Slims Championships and World Team Tennis. The venue has deep meaning for women’s sports in terms of its prestige and exposure. As she and her colleagues did in the 1970s and ’80s, she noted that these players are also laying a foundation for future generations.
The reality is that starting a professional league requires investment. Expansion can be costly, but this year (the league’s third year), the PWHL expanded from six to eight teams — half based in the U.S. and half in Canada. A profit is not expected for several more seasons.
“Two years ago, we wouldn’t have thought this to be possible, and now the most iconic arena in the world sold out for women’s hockey; it’s just a really special first for players and fans alike,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL executive vice president of hockey operations. “This league has exceeded expectations in terms of how quickly we’ve found success, but there’s still a lot of work to do.”
More work may be to come, but for one night, it was blissful. “Even if we were getting booed or cheered … it didn’t really matter,” said Knight. “It was an awesome moment for women’s hockey — to be a part of a game where you set a record is truly outstanding.”