The Vancouver Goldeneyes fell short of reaching the playoffs, but their inaugural season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has been a success in every aspect outside of hockey. The team’s achievement is credited to their dedicated fan base, who consistently showed up to support them throughout the season.
Captain Ashton Bell expressed gratitude towards the fans for bringing energy to every game, from the home opener to the final match. Vancouver led the PWHL in regular-season attendance, surpassing the league’s average by 2,000 fans per game. The season concluded with a packed Pacific Coliseum hosting 11,310 spectators for the last Goldeneyes game, a thrilling overtime victory against the Minnesota Frost.
Despite being out of the playoffs, Vancouver’s win held significance due to the PWHL’s unique “gold plan” system. This system rewards the team with the most points after playoff elimination with the top pick in the draft. The Goldeneyes secured the first overall pick by narrowly edging out the Seattle Torrent on the regular season’s closing day.
General Manager Cara Gardner Morey expressed excitement about having the first pick in the upcoming draft, highlighting the abundance of talent in the draft class. While she did not disclose specific plans, American defender Caroline Harvey is a notable contender for the top selection. Harvey, a key player in the U.S. women’s hockey team, has garnered numerous accolades, including leading scorer at the recent Winter Olympics and top defender in the tournament.
As the PWHL has not yet announced the 2026 draft details or confirmed expansion plans, uncertainties loom over Vancouver’s roster, including the potential return of fan favorite Sarah Nurse. Nurse, who joined the team on a one-year contract, faces an uncertain future with the upcoming changes in the league’s structure.
One pressing issue highlighted by Nurse is the need for improved travel arrangements for Vancouver players. The team, along with Seattle, endured extensive travel throughout the season, often facing long hours on the road due to the geographical distance from other PWHL teams. Nurse emphasized the challenges of navigating various airports and airlines in their frequent travels.
The Vancouver Goldeneyes have set a high standard in their debut PWHL season, and with the upcoming draft and expansion decisions, the team faces a period of transition and anticipation for the future.