If there was any doubt about the feverous demand for women’s hockey in Vancouver, last night provided a clear answer.
Fans packed Rogers Arena to watch the PWHL’s Toronto Sceptres take on the Montreal Victoire as part of the league’s Takeover Tour. The official attendance was 19,038 and every single fan made their voice heard. The building was rocking all night with huge cheers for both teams.
Those in the building were treated to an excellent hockey game as the Victoire pulled off a tightly-contested 4-2 victory. Vancouver 2010 Olympic hero Marie-Philip Poulin starred and finished with two goals including the game-winner.
Marie-Philip Poulin doing Marie-Philip Poulin things. Scores a beauty of a goal from her knees. 3-0 Montreal. Victoire are taking over the game. #PWHL pic.twitter.com/hI53RotCoc
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 9, 2025
The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered and sang along all night. The players took note of that from the start.
“We felt it off the punch from the national anthem,” said Poulin. “People are there for both teams… knowing that we have that many fans behind us, it’s special. You look around, see signs, see jerseys, you’re like ‘holy, this is quite amazing.’”
“We’re part of this, and it’s beyond our wildest, wildest dreams. It’s very special.”
Vancouver SHOWING UP for the PWHL pic.twitter.com/0EfVfP2JB5
— Vanessa (@bigsportsvan) January 9, 2025
It is SO. LOUD. In here, PWHL take over is really TAKING OVER. Goosebumps all night 💜🤍 pic.twitter.com/LkHgfxRuOr
— Olivia McDonald (@LivMae10) January 9, 2025
The signs at the #PWHL game so far deserve an A+ pic.twitter.com/S3dgUdukJB
— Noah Strang (@noahstrang_) January 9, 2025
The attendance was the third highest in PWHL history. The league continues to grow at an incredible rate, and the massively positive response from Vancouver has many hoping the city will be picked for an expansion team in the not-so-distant future.
The league recently admitted they see “great potential” in a western expansion, and last night showed that the fans are ready for it to happen.
Ahem @thepwhlofficial pic.twitter.com/hPlGSpR8Sf
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) January 9, 2025
Sooo #PWHLVancouver team when?? pic.twitter.com/ZLwSItGD4V
— Marcus (@InTheBluePaint) January 9, 2025
Vancouver’s ready, PWHL 🚨 Let’s bring the puck west | #PWHLVancouver #TakeoverTour pic.twitter.com/ooTTSQZqFe
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) January 9, 2025
Spoke to some fans in attendance at the PWHL Takeover Tour game in Vancouver.
Everyone I chatted with wants the same thing…
Bring a PWHL team to British Columbia. #PWHL | #PWHLVancouver
— Alex Wauthy (@AlexWauthy) January 9, 2025
can the pwhl please make a #pwhlvancouver team this game is so fun
— megan (@iamsotiredhelp0) January 9, 2025
“There aren’t really words to describe this experience. Coming to the West Coast in general, let alone playing in Vancouver in my hometown is so surreal,” said BC native and Victoire player Jennifer Gardiner.
“Just doing it with this team is so special. I was looking around at the crowd, and to see the number of all the little girls out there that have dreamed of playing in a professional women’s hockey league their whole life and will get to do it one day is so special. I am very excited for the future of women’s hockey out here.”
The crowd was also filled with local celebrities. There was a lot of support from other local athletes, including members of the BC Lions, Vancouver Whitecaps, UBC Women’s Hockey Team, Vancouver Rise, and the Canadian Women’s Rugby 7s team, who were all spotted at the game.
Vancouver showed out last night with a packed house and an incredible atmosphere. All the fans are hoping for now is more chances to cheer on the best women’s players in the world.