Full Breakdown
PWHL Expands with Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes
11/7/2025, 3:04:55 PM
Introduction of New Teams
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has officially unveiled its two new expansion teams, the Seattle Torrent and the Vancouver Goldeneyes, as part of its growth from six to eight teams for the 2025-26 season. The announcement was made on November 6, 2025, with both teams set to compete in their inaugural game against each other on November 21 at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver.
Team Identities and Branding
The naming and branding process for the Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes was deeply rooted in the natural elements of their respective regions. The Torrent's name reflects the powerful waterways that shape Washington's landscape, symbolizing the team's determination to carve its own path. Its logo features a stylized "S" that represents both Seattle and the rush of water, complemented by a color palette of slate green and shades of blue.
In contrast, the Goldeneyes draw inspiration from the common goldeneye duck, native to British Columbia's waterways. The logo showcases a golden eye encircled by wings, with a color scheme of Pacific blue, coastal cream, and earthy bronze. Kanan Bhatt-Shah, PWHL's vice president of brand and marketing, emphasized the importance of authenticity in the branding process, stating, "Our number one mission was how are we creating an identity that’s authentic to that market?"
Player Perspectives
Key players from both teams expressed their excitement about the new identities. Hilary Knight, a forward for the Torrent, remarked on the significance of the name and branding, linking it to Seattle's storied sports legacy. "It’s a great recipe for us," she stated. Jenn Gardiner, a forward for the Goldeneyes, highlighted the personal connection to the name, saying, "When I think of the Goldeneyes, I think of the landscape of British Columbia: the mountains, the ocean, and the grit that comes with growing up here."
Official Statements
Amy Scheer, PWHL executive vice president of business operations, described the new teams as "bold, distinctive, and true to who we are as a league." She noted that each team's identity is closely connected to its home, with Seattle's branding reflecting its waterways and Vancouver's inspired by its wildlife.
Merchandise and Future Plans
While merchandise featuring the new logos and names will be available for sale, the logos will not appear on the teams' jerseys for the current season. Instead, the jerseys will feature the city names across the front, a practice consistent with the league's original teams. The Torrent and Goldeneyes are expected to debut their branded jerseys in the 2026-27 season.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes marks a significant milestone for the PWHL as it expands its presence in women's professional hockey. With a focus on regional identity and community engagement, the league aims to foster a strong connection between the teams and their fans, setting the stage for a competitive rivalry in the Pacific Northwest.
