The PWHL is setting the stage for Season 4, as the expanded 12-team pro hockey league unveiled names and logos for its four incoming teams on Tuesday.
Each club taps into market history, as the Detroit Clutch references the Motor City’s auto industry, the Hamilton Havoc honors Canada’s “Steel City,” the San Jose Sea Lions pays tribute to the Negro League’s San Francisco Sea Lions, and the Las Vegas Vanguards spotlights the region’s native kit fox.
In keeping with tradition, players will debut wearing generic city-branded jerseys, with the new designs taking over in 2027/28.
This season ushers in additional revamps, including regional conferences, an 180-match regular-season and eight-team postseason, and game-play updates.
Rulebook overhauls include mandating neck protection, legalizing high-sticking the puck, and clarifying body-checking regulations.
“Player safety and innovation have been at our forefront since the league’s inception,” said EVP of Hockey Operations Jayna Hefford. “We believe these objectives are represented in this season’s rule updates.”
Season 4’s opening weekend kicks off on December 5th.
