Evan’s Perspective: Colorado Hockey Fans Present a Compelling Argument for a PWHL Expansion Team

There are plenty of fans throughout Colorado that would love to have another team. My daughter is one.

The Broncos were playing their first playoff game in almost a decade on Sunday, but that didn’t stop Colorado hockey fans from showing up in force at Ball Arena. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the usual Cale Makar spectacle that drew the crowd. Instead, Makar was just one of the over 14,000 attendees at the venue, experiencing the excitement of Colorado’s introduction to the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).

The impressive turnout on Sunday underscored a clear message: if the PWHL aims to expand in the right markets, rather than simply going for the easiest options, Colorado stands out as an ideal location for a new team. The league, which was established in 2023 and currently consists of six teams, is in the midst of its “Takeover Tour,” a series of stops in nine different cities to showcase the league’s offerings to fans across North America.

The reception in Denver was nothing short of remarkable, with fans signaling they’re eager for more. The game between the Minnesota Frost and Montreal Victoire set a new U.S. single-game attendance record for the league, with 14,018 spectators present. I was among those in the crowd, along with my wife and 7-year-old daughter. Although she had attended an Avalanche game before, it hadn’t captured her attention for long. But when I told her about the women’s game coming to town, her interest was instantly piqued.

This enthusiastic response demonstrates that Colorado’s hockey community is not only passionate but also ready for women’s professional hockey. Given the impressive turnout and the strong support from local fans, it’s clear that if the PWHL is serious about its expansion strategy, Colorado should be at the top of the list for a future team.

Everything lived up to the hype for her and many of the young fans in the crowd. The atmosphere was significantly different than what you’ll get at an Avalanche game, as it should be. Perhaps most important, the product on the ice was entertaining. There were plenty of goals, some big saves by both netminders, and, yes, even a scrum or two. Throughout the game there was a smile on my daughter’s face, something I haven’t seen taking her to other sporting events. I wasn’t the only parent seeing that same smile on their kid’s face.

The event was such a hit that by the midway point of the third period, the fans who packed Ball Arena made their plea via chant.

“We want a team! We want a team!”

The PWHL has already announced their plans to add two more teams next season, although locations haven’t been announced. On Sunday, fans in Colorado made their case for the league potentially making their way to the Front Range.

There are plenty of logistical issues that could delay a team making its way to Colorado. Most of the league is located in the Eastern time zone, which isn’t ideal in regards to travel.

There are plenty of fans throughout Colorado that would love to have another team. My daughter is one.