Before the puck dropped on the current Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season, there was a growing sense that something disturbing was unfolding.
The league’s two new expansion franchises — the Vancouver Goldeneyes and Seattle Torrent — weren’t entering the league in the traditional way. Thanks to the expansion process, both teams were able to stockpile high-end talent almost immediately.
At HockeySpy.ca, we flagged it early. Our concern wasn’t subtle: were these teams being handed a fast track to dominance? In preseason discussions, observers openly leaned toward Vancouver as a top team. From IX Sports:
“The Vancouver Goldeneyes… I love their depth.”
It was apparent that a lot of Olympic talent, elite scorers, and proven veterans were available. On paper, it looked like a shortcut to the top.
But…fast forward to today, and the standings tell a different story. Neither newbie has come close to dominating. At one point this season, Vancouver and Seattle were tied for last place. Vancouver, for example, has hovered near the bottom with a sub-.500 record in its inaugural campaign. Meanwhile, teams many expected to struggle — like Boston and New York — have pushed into playoff contention.
So, what happened?
Simple answer: Hockey happened. Just as it happens most every year in the NHL. Raise your hand if, heading into this season, you had the Buffalo Sabres sitting on top of the Eastern Conference. Then lower your hand quickly—because you’re fibbing.
What looks dominant on a spreadsheet doesn’t always translate to wins on the ice. Expansion teams face challenges that don’t show up in preseason projections. Chemistry takes time and sometimes never happens. Systems need structure, if indeed they are the appropriate ones. Roles evolve slowly. And the rest of the league adjusts quickly
Even in a league as deep as the PWHL — where support players are still quality players — there’s no shortcut to winning. And yes, as always, hockey has a way of humbling even the most convincing predictions. These expansion teams look like everyone else — fighting, adjusting, and trying to figure it out. And that’s exactly how it should be.
Because in the end…
That’s why they play the games.
