Reminiscing on the PWHL Takeover Tour in Edmonton: A Milestone for Women’s Hockey in Alberta

The PWHL’s Takeover Tour made an unforgettable stop in Edmonton on February 16, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for women’s hockey in Alberta. The sold-out crowd of 17,518 at Rogers Place witnessed a thrilling overtime victory as Daryl Watts’ second goal of the game propelled the Toronto Sceptres to a 3-2 win over the Ottawa Charge. For both players and fans, the game was a powerful reminder of how far the women’s game has come and how much it continues to grow, especially in Alberta, where hockey is a cornerstone of the community.

A Night to Remember for the Players

From the opening face-off, it was clear that this game would be one for the books. Ottawa’s Gabbie Hughes scored first, putting the Charge up 1-0 with a power play goal in the opening period. However, it was Toronto’s dominance in the second period that turned the tide, with two quick power-play goals from Daryl Watts and Julia Gosling putting the Sceptres ahead. Ottawa’s Tereza Vanišová answered back in the third, tying the game 2-2. But in a dramatic overtime finish, Watts secured the win for Toronto with a game-winner just 51 seconds into the extra frame.

For players like Watts, who notched her first career overtime goal, playing in such a historic venue was a dream come true. “This is such a cool experience for all of us,” said Watts. “It’s not every day that you get to play in an NHL rink—especially this one. The crowd was electric, so it’s hard not to get incredibly excited and pumped up to play in this atmosphere.”

The Significance of the Takeover Tour in Alberta

For Alberta natives like Ottawa’s Emerance Maschmeyer, who made 31 saves in the game, the Takeover Tour’s Edmonton stop held special meaning. Playing in front of friends and family at Rogers Place felt like a homecoming. “I could never imagine myself playing a pro game here in Edmonton,” Maschmeyer shared. “That was special.”

Ottawa’s Stephanie Markowski, also from Alberta, felt a deep connection to the game and its significance. “To play here in front of family that hasn’t seen me play live in close to seven years, it was a very special feeling for me,” Markowski said. “For the signs and chants, I think it shows that the women’s game is growing.”

The loud and passionate support from the crowd, including chants of “We want a team,” highlighted the growing demand for women’s hockey at all levels in Alberta. The Takeover Tour has proven to be a powerful platform for sparking conversations about the future of women’s professional hockey in the province, particularly in Edmonton, where the sport runs deep in the hearts of many.

Impact on Women’s Hockey in Alberta

The PWHL’s presence in Edmonton is a significant step in expanding the footprint of women’s hockey in Alberta. The province has a rich hockey tradition, and the Takeover Tour is helping to bring the elite-level talent of the PWHL directly to fans, showcasing the incredible skill, dedication, and passion of the players.

Carla MacLeod, the head coach of the Ottawa Charge and an Alberta native, celebrated the visibility of the women’s game during the event. MacLeod wore a vintage Edmonton Chimos sweater during the game, honoring the province’s trailblazing women’s hockey team. This gesture reminded fans of the rich history of women’s hockey in Alberta and the players who helped pave the way for today’s stars.

The sold-out Rogers Place crowd was a testament to the growing enthusiasm for women’s hockey in the province. It’s not just about the game itself, but also about the connection it creates between players and fans. The excitement of seeing women’s hockey in such a prominent venue, the heart-pounding moments, and the communal energy reflect how far the sport has come. Alberta fans, particularly young girls and boys in the stands, now have the opportunity to look up to players like Daryl Watts, Emerance Maschmeyer, and Hannah Miller, who are setting new standards of excellence in the game.

Looking Ahead

As the PWHL continues its Takeover Tour, with upcoming stops in Raleigh, Detroit, and St. Louis, the Edmonton game will surely be remembered as a highlight in the league’s journey. For Alberta, this game was not just a showcase of skill but also a celebration of the impact women’s hockey has in the province. The energy and support in Rogers Place were clear: the future of women’s hockey in Alberta is bright, and it’s only going to continue to grow.

The PWHL’s Takeover Tour has given women’s hockey the platform it deserves, and the ripple effect is being felt in cities like Edmonton, where fans are rallying behind the game and calling for more. It’s an exciting time for the sport, and Alberta stands at the forefront of this movement, ready to support women’s hockey as it continues to rise to new heights.

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All quotes in this article are sourced from the PWHL‘s media notes dated February 17, 2025.

Photo Credits – All pictures in this article are by: Nancy Shields Creative