Colorado hockey supporters persuasively argue for a PWHL expansion franchise | Evan’s perspective

The growing momentum behind women’s professional hockey continues to build, and one of the loudest calls for expansion has come from Colorado hockey supporters. These passionate fans, who have followed the success of the Colorado Avalanche and the state’s rich hockey culture, are now making a persuasive case for the addition of a franchise in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). From grassroots development to the incredible growth of women’s sports, Colorado has demonstrated time and again that it is a hockey hotbed.

In this article, we’ll delve into why Colorado is the perfect location for a PWHL expansion franchise, using Evan’s perspective as a passionate advocate for women’s hockey and a long-time supporter of the sport in the state. We’ll explore the state’s history with hockey, its strong fan base, the current state of women’s sports, and how the PWHL could thrive with a team in Colorado.

1. Colorado’s Thriving Hockey Culture

Colorado has long been a hub for hockey in the United States. The state’s rich history of ice hockey development, the success of its NHL team, and its passionate fan base make it an ideal location for the PWHL to consider an expansion team. The Colorado Avalanche, one of the most successful franchises in NHL history, has cultivated a culture of excellence and pride in the sport. Since their arrival in Denver in 1995, the Avalanche have captured the hearts of hockey fans throughout the state and beyond, bringing home multiple Stanley Cup championships.

But the Avalanche are not the only notable hockey franchise in Colorado. The state also has a highly successful Colorado Eagles team in the American Hockey League (AHL), which serves as the Avalanche’s affiliate. This strengthens the hockey infrastructure in the state, creating a clear pathway for players and fans to get involved in the sport from the grassroots level all the way to the professional ranks.

Evan, a lifelong Colorado resident, has witnessed firsthand the tremendous enthusiasm for hockey in the state. Growing up watching the Avalanche compete at the highest level and attending games at Ball Arena, Evan has always believed that hockey is woven into the fabric of Colorado’s identity. It’s not just about the men’s game; women’s hockey has been a significant part of the state’s sports landscape, too. Colorado has produced countless talented female hockey players who have gone on to play at the collegiate, professional, and international levels, and the state’s youth programs have steadily grown over the years.

This fervent hockey culture makes Colorado a prime candidate for the expansion of women’s professional hockey.

2. The Growing Support for Women’s Hockey

One of the key arguments for an expansion franchise in Colorado is the undeniable growth of women’s hockey. With the formation of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), women’s hockey is now on the cusp of even greater recognition. The PWHL represents the highest level of competition in the women’s game, and its expansion is an opportunity for fans to watch some of the best players in the world right in their own backyard.

Evan argues that the growth of women’s sports in general, combined with the rise of women’s hockey, makes this the perfect time to expand into Colorado. The state has seen impressive strides in promoting women’s sports, with strong community support for teams and players in various sports disciplines. The success of the University of Colorado Buffaloes women’s teams and the support for Colorado Rapids Women’s soccer are evidence that Colorado fans are eager to embrace women’s professional sports.

In addition, the success of the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team and the increasing visibility of women’s sports on national television have raised awareness and sparked growing interest in women’s hockey. In recent years, the sport has seen significant growth in participation, sponsorship, and media coverage. The PWHL has positioned itself as the premier league for women’s hockey, attracting top talent from around the world and creating a platform for these athletes to showcase their skills.

Evan points to the success of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL), which merged with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) to create the PWHL, as a clear indicator of the rising demand for professional women’s hockey leagues. Fans are hungry for the product, and with this momentum, the PWHL could thrive in Colorado.

3. Colorado’s Solid Hockey Infrastructure

When making the case for a PWHL expansion franchise, one cannot ignore the robust hockey infrastructure in Colorado. The state has a number of quality facilities that could easily accommodate a women’s professional hockey team, both for games and practice. One of the premier venues in the state is Ball Arena in downtown Denver, home to the Colorado Avalanche. Ball Arena has a rich history of hosting hockey games, including the NHL, and its central location makes it a prime location for hosting games in front of large, enthusiastic crowds.

For smaller events and practice sessions, Colorado is home to numerous rinks that can accommodate high-level training and competition. The Ice Centre at the Promenade, Denver University’s Magness Arena, and Family Sports Center are just a few examples of the state-of-the-art facilities that could serve as training grounds for a PWHL team. Colorado’s hockey infrastructure provides a foundation for women’s professional hockey to succeed, as it has the facilities, the resources, and the support to elevate the game to new heights.

4. A Fan Base Eager for Women’s Hockey

One of the strongest arguments for a Colorado PWHL expansion franchise is the dedicated and loyal fan base that exists in the state. Colorado is home to one of the most passionate and engaged hockey communities in the country. Avalanche fans are known for their unwavering support of their team, and they would undoubtedly extend that same energy to a women’s hockey team.

Evan notes that women’s hockey already has a strong following in the state. Colorado is home to several successful women’s hockey programs, including youth leagues, high school teams, and collegiate-level teams. The University of Denver has had a strong women’s hockey program for years, and many of the state’s top high school and collegiate players have gone on to compete at the highest levels. The existence of these programs is a testament to the deep love for the sport and the strong grassroots support for women’s hockey.

Additionally, the rise in attendance at women’s hockey games across North America speaks to a growing desire for these leagues to expand and thrive. Colorado hockey fans are already proving that they’re eager to support the sport, whether it’s by watching the U.S. Women’s National Team, attending the NWHL games in nearby cities, or even cheering on local youth leagues.

Evan believes that a PWHL franchise would quickly find success in Colorado, with fans flocking to games to cheer for the team, create an electric atmosphere, and showcase the talent that exists at the women’s hockey level. With the state’s deep-rooted passion for hockey and its track record of supporting women’s sports, a PWHL team in Colorado would tap into an eager and committed fan base.

5. Economic and Community Impact

Another persuasive argument for a PWHL franchise in Colorado is the positive impact it would have on the local economy and community. The creation of a new professional sports team brings with it a host of economic benefits, including job creation, increased tourism, and enhanced community pride. As Evan points out, having a professional women’s sports team in the state would elevate Colorado’s standing in the national conversation about women’s sports.

In addition, having a PWHL franchise would create new opportunities for local businesses, from increased foot traffic near the arena to the creation of new sponsorship and advertising partnerships. Local restaurants, hotels, and other establishments would benefit from the influx of fans attending games and supporting the team. As women’s hockey continues to grow in popularity, the financial stability and success of a Colorado-based PWHL team would be a powerful force in building a stronger local economy.

Moreover, the cultural and social impact of a women’s hockey team would be profound. The visibility of female athletes in a traditionally male-dominated sport would serve as inspiration for young girls and boys, encouraging them to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender. The presence of a PWHL team would strengthen Colorado’s position as a progressive state that celebrates diversity and inclusion, particularly in sports.

6. Evan’s Vision for the Future

Evan’s perspective is rooted in optimism and passion for the growth of women’s hockey. From his viewpoint, the addition of a PWHL team in Colorado would be the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and growth in the state’s hockey community. It would serve as a beacon for young players, provide entertainment for dedicated fans, and elevate the profile of women’s sports across the state.

For Evan, the idea of a professional women’s hockey team in Colorado isn’t just a dream; it’s an achievable goal that could become a reality sooner rather than later. As the PWHL continues to expand and the sport continues to grow, it’s only a matter of time before Colorado secures its place in the league.