First PWHL All-Star Event
PWHL Announces First Independent All-Star Tournament to Take Place in Toronto
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Key Points
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Scotiabank will be the presenting sponsor of the inaugural tournament, giving the league a new sponsorship property alongside its other sponsored events.
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Each team’s 10-player roster will comprise six forwards, three defenders and one goaltender.
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PWHL players previously took part in a three-on-three showcase at the 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend; the new tournament will be the first All-Star event hosted independently by the league.
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The announcement was made at the Hockey Hall of Fame by PWHL executives Jayna Hefford and Amy Scheer, alongside Montreal Victoire forward Laura Stacey, president of the PWHL Players Association.
The Professional Women's Hockey League will hold its first league-run All-Star tournament on March 7, 2027, at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena—the same venue where the PWHL played its inaugural game in 2024. CityNews reported that four teams of 10 players each will compete in a three-on-three round robin format, with Canada, the United States, international players and rookies each fielding a squad.
The tournament marks a milestone for the young league as it expands to 12 teams for the 2026–27 season. Fans and media will help vote for starting rosters, while league officials will select reserves. The event will air in the US on ION and in Canada on TSN and Radio-Canada, CityNews reported.
A Historic Milestone for Women's Professional Hockey
This inaugural All-Star event signals the PWHL's growing independence in professional women's hockey. CityNews noted that PWHL executives Jayna Hefford and Amy Scheer announced the tournament at the Hockey Hall of Fame alongside Laura Stacey, president of the PWHL Players Association. The announcement came as the league prepares for significant expansion.
Prior to this All-Star tournament, PWHL players competed in a three-on-three showcase at the 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend. The new tournament represents the first All-Star event fully hosted and operated by the league itself, giving the PWHL its own branded premier event.
Tournament Format and Team Rosters Explained
Each of the four All-Star teams will have exactly 10 players: six forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender. CityNews reported that the teams represent distinct player groups—Canada, the United States, international skaters and rookies—ensuring a diverse competitive showcase.
The tournament uses a round-robin structure with three-on-three play. The top-ranked team after round-robin play advances directly to the final. The second- and third-place teams will meet in a semifinal to determine who faces the top team in the championship game.
Scotiabank Arena Returns to Host Women's Hockey Showcase
Toronto's Scotiabank Arena will serve as the host venue—a fitting choice, as it hosted the PWHL's very first game in 2024. CityNews reported that Scotiabank will be the presenting sponsor of the tournament, marking a new sponsorship property for the league alongside its other sponsored events.
The league plans fan and community activities around the All-Star event. The tournament will receive broad media coverage, with ION handling US broadcasts and TSN and Radio-Canada covering the event in Canada.
League Expansion Sets the Stage for Growth
The All-Star tournament announcement coincides with the PWHL's expansion to 12 teams for the 2026–27 season. This growth signals investor confidence in women's professional hockey and the league's ability to attract top talent and fan interest.
By hosting an independent All-Star event, the PWHL joins other established professional sports leagues in creating marquee moments that showcase player talent and build league prestige. The 2027 tournament will be the first of what the league intends as a recurring championship celebration.
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