PHF releases 2022-23 schedule, sets opening day for Nov. 5

The Premier Hockey Federation announced Monday its official schedule for the upcoming 2022-23 season.

The eighth season in league history will feature a record 84 games, which will be played over 19 weeks beginning on Saturday, Nov. 5. Each of the league’s seven teams will play a total of 24 games, 12 at home and 12 away, with four matchups against each opponent.

“We are excited to usher in this new era of the PHF as we launch this 2022-23 season with milestones that show our growth including a greater regular season schedule, expansion to seven teams, a historical salary cap increase, enhanced player benefits, upgraded facilities, and elevated broadcast opportunities with ESPN,” commissioner Reagan Carey said. “For our sport, for the athletes, our fans, and partners, we are committed to advancing women’s professional ice hockey and building the best home for women’s professional ice hockey.

“We look forward to strengthening connections with passionate fans in our traditional markets and in new communities across North America, while growing our worldwide broadcast audience through our extended relationship with ESPN.”

The Boston Pride, who have won back-to-back Isobel Cup championships, will face off against the Connecticut Whale, their opponent in last season’s final, in the opening weekend. The Pride will host the Metropolitan Riveters the following day.

The Montreal Force will make their debut as the league’s lone expansion team this season against Buffalo. They will then make their home debut on Nov. 26 at Centre 21.02 against the Riveters. In their opening season, the Force will play around Quebec in the following arenas:

• Aréna Raymond-Bourque, Montreal
• Aréna Conrad-Parent, Sept-Îles
• Colisée Financière Sun Life, Rimouski
• Centre Premier Tech, Rivière-du-Loup
• Aréna régional de la Rivière-du-Nord, Saint-Jérôme
• Pavillon de la jeunesse, Québec

Three of the league’s teams will play in new locations this season. Connecticut will play at the International Skating Center of CT, Minnesota at the Richfield Ice Arena and the Riveters at The Rink at American Dream.

This year’s PHF All-Star game will take place the weekend of Jan. 27-29. The 2023 Isobel Cup Playoffs will begin in March, with more information to be announced at a later date.

The 84 total games mark an increase over the 60 played during the 2021-22 season. Nine games will be played on Friday nights.

Live coverage of the season will stream exclusively on ESPN+, with the league announcing an extension on that partnership earlier this year.