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Gabby Rosenthal on game day at the Pacific Coliseum
Goldeneyes
IGNITE THE WEST COAST
HOCKEY FAN BASE
Story by: Scott Jenson Photos by: PWHL
In just one season of play, the Vancouver Goldeneyes established themselves as far more than the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s newest expansion franchise.
They quickly became one of the PWHL’s biggest success stories, building a passionate fan base while creating a connection with the hockey community on the West Coast.
“From day one, fan support has been strong,” says Tania Richards, Vancouver Goldeneyes Director of Business Operations.
“Before we even had a team name, fans were showing up for us—signing up for season ticket memberships, buying merchandise and showing their support online.
“This fan excitement and passion continued throughout our inaugural season, creating an incredible, exuberant atmosphere inside the Pacific Coliseum.
“Vancouver was more than ready for a PWHL team, and we’re excited to see what happens next as we enter our second season.”
It’s been an idyllic relationship thus far between an energized fan base and the unfettered enthusiasm from the team.
“Vancouver really welcomed us with open arms, and we in turn strive to represent the
city well and we want to be a team that is quintessential to Vancouver.”
“Vancouver really welcomed us with open arms,” says Richards, “and we in turn strive to represent the city well and we want to be a team that is quintessential to Vancouver.
national team players and emerging stars, and laid a strong foundation for future success.
A roaring crowd at the Pacific Coliseum. 1.Anna Segedi, Tereza Vanišová, Abby Boreen (left to right); 2. Jenn Gardiner; 3. Sarah Nurse; 4. Sophie Jaques, Gabby Rosenthal; 5. Emerance Maschmeyer.
While a playoff berth ultimately remained out of reach, players and management consistently emphasized that the first season was about building an identity, developing chemistry and establishing a culture that can compete for championships in the years ahead.
“The players love living here, and we aim to celebrate the natural beauty of our home and what makes Vancouver and its inhabitants so special in our branding, content and game experience.
“Accessibility is also important to us—fans should always feel a sense of belonging when they step into our building for a Goldeneyes game.”
Indeed, the Goldeneyes’ biggest victory may have come away from the standings.
From the moment Vancouver was awarded a PWHL franchise, excitement surrounding the team continued to build.
Although the inaugural season came with the expected challenges of an expansion team, the Goldeneyes demonstrated resilience from opening night through the final game.
That enthusiasm translated into packed crowds at the venerable Pacific Coliseum throughout the season.
The team battled through growing pains, showcased a talented roster featuring established
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The home opener alone attracted nearly 15,000 fans, setting a league attendance record at the time, and the momentum never faded.
Vancouver finished its inaugural campaign leading the PWHL in average attendance, regularly drawing crowds of more than 12,000 supporters.
The atmosphere inside the Coliseum quickly became one of the league’s defining experiences.
Families, longtime hockey fans and first-time spectators embraced the opportunity to support professional women’s hockey in Vancouver.
Homemade signs, sold-out merchandise and thunderous ovations became common sights on game nights.
Visiting players and media alike noted the energy inside the building, while Goldeneyes players frequently credited the fans for making Vancouver feel like home.
The connection between players and supporters became one of the defining characteristics of the Goldeneyes’ first season and helped establish a culture that extended well beyond the final score.
The team’s success has also demonstrated the appetite for elite women’s hockey in British Columbia.
Long before the franchise played its first game, Vancouver fans packed Rogers Arena during the PWHL Takeover Tour, proving the market was ready for a permanent team.
The Goldeneyes capitalized on that momentum by delivering an entertaining product and creating an inclusive game-day experience that appealed to fans of all ages.
“Last season we had the largest average attendance in a Canadian home market and the second-highest single-season home market attendance in PWHL history,” says Richards.
“Together with Seattle we generated the highest first-year merchandise sales of any teams in the league to date.”
Social media conversations reflected that excitement throughout the season as fans
Tania Richards — Director of Business
Operations for the Vancouver
Goldeneyes
Fun and games on game day at the Pacific Coliseum.
praised not only the quality of play but also the welcoming atmosphere inside Pacific Coliseum.
franchises spend years trying to achieve; they have created a genuine bond with their community.
Many described becoming season-ticket holders after attending just one game, while others travelled significant distances to be part of the experience.
If the first season proved anything, it is that Vancouver was ready for professional women’s hockey and the Goldeneyes rewarded that faith by building a team and a culture that fans are eager to support.
The enthusiasm spread beyond traditional hockey circles, introducing new audiences to the sport and helping establish the Goldeneyes as an important part of Vancouver’s sporting landscape.
Wins and losses will continue to shape the story in the seasons ahead, but the inaugural campaign will be remembered for something even bigger: the arrival of a franchise that has already become a source of pride for the city and a model for what the PWHL can achieve in new markets.
While the inaugural campaign featured plenty of lessons on the ice, it also reinforced the organization’s long-term potential.
Expansion teams rarely enjoy immediate competitive success, but the Goldeneyes showed enough promise to believe brighter days are ahead.
“We proved that the successful January 2025 Takeover Tour game at Rogers Arena was not a one-off,” says Richards, “that we have a strong product that people are interested in and invested in long-term.
With another offseason to build the roster and develop chemistry, expectations will naturally rise heading into Year 2.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to build upon that for 2026-27 and beyond.”
Perhaps most importantly, the Goldeneyes have already accomplished something many new
And with support being consistent, passionate and authentic, it certainly gives the organization a strong foundation as it builds toward the future. T
