PWHL game at Madison Square Garden sells out to break US record
The upcoming Professional Women’s Hockey League game between the New York Sirens and Seattle Torrent at Madison Square Garden has sold out and is expected to set a new attendance record in the United States.
Organisers expect the crowd on 4 April to surpass the previous benchmark for a professional women’s hockey match in the country.
The current record stands at 17,335, set on 27 February when the Torrent hosted the Toronto Sceptres at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena.
With a capacity of 18,006 for hockey, the sell-out at the famous Manhattan venue ensures that figure will be eclipsed.
Olympic success drives demand
A spokesperson for the league stated the surge in ticket sales was fuelled by fans “riding the wave of the Winter Olympics”.
Interest in the sport has spiked following the United States’ dramatic overtime victory against Canada in the gold medal game in Milan.
New York’s roster features Team Canada star Sarah Fillier, alongside forward Kristin O’Neill and goaltender Kayle Osborne.
The visiting expansion franchise boasts four players from the American national team, though they will be missing a key figure.
Seattle captain Hilary Knight remains on long-term injured reserve recovering from an MCL injury.
Despite her absence, visibility for the league has remained high, with Knight and fellow USA star Megan Keller recently making guest appearances on ‘Saturday Night Live’.
‘Defining moment’ for the sport
The fixture marks a significant milestone compared to the last time professional women’s hockey was played at the arena in February 2021.
On that occasion, a Dream Gap Tour event was held behind closed doors due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
New York currently sit fourth in the PWHL standings, while their opponents are bottom of the table, yet the demand for the fixture has been unprecedented.
“Selling out The World’s Most Famous Arena is a defining moment for the New York Sirens and a powerful statement about the growth of our league.”
Pascal Daoust, New York Sirens General Manager
The momentum is not isolated to New York, with the league confirming another major capacity crowd elsewhere.
The Boston Fleet’s match against the Montréal Victoire on 11 April at TD Garden – which holds over 17,800 fans – has also sold out.
“Playing in front of sold-out buildings at Madison Square Garden and TD Garden is a historic moment for our athletes — and our sport.”
Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations