Seattle Torrent Shatter Professional Women’s Hockey Attendance Record
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Seattle’s inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) team, the Torrent, made a splash on Friday, November 29, 2024, by hosting the minnesota Frost in front of a record-breaking crowd of 16,014 fans at Climate Pledge Arena. This marks the largest attendance ever for a professional women’s hockey game in the United States, surpassing the previous record set earlier this year. despite the enthusiastic support, the Frost defeated the Torrent 3-0.
Record-Breaking attendance
The previous attendance record of 14,288 was established on March 16, 2024, when the New York Sirens and Minnesota Frost played a neutral-site game in Detroit PWHL. Seattle’s achievement demonstrates the growing popularity of women’s professional hockey and the enthusiastic reception of the new PWHL.
Game recap: Frost Shut Out Torrent
The Minnesota Frost secured a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Torrent. Kelly Pannek scored two goals for the Frost, while Grace Zumwinkle added another. Minnesota goaltender Nicole Hensley delivered a stellar performance, stopping all 30 shots she faced for a shutout. Seattle’s Corinne Schroeder made 22 saves in the loss.
Player Reactions
Torrent captain Hilary Knight expressed her excitement about playing in front of such a large and supportive crowd, stating, according to The Athletic The Athletic: “It’s super special. A lot of inaugural (experiences), but there’s something about Seattle that’s just special… A dream come true, a heart-stopping moment.”
Pannek commented on the enthusiastic Seattle fanbase, saying, “It’s great that they have a new team and they set a new record, and it’s fun to see all the other markets in the United States compete to try to beat that mark. Even if it’s not the crowd that’s applauding you, it’s a lot of fun to play in a sold-out stadium.”
Team records to Date
Both teams have experienced early-season challenges. the Seattle Torrent are still seeking their first win, following a 4-3 overtime loss to the Vancouver Goldeneyes on November 21, 2024. The Minnesota Frost also faced a setback in their first game, falling 2-1 to the Toronto Sceptres on the same date.
Key Takeaways
* Record Attendance: Seattle Torrent set a new US attendance record for professional women’s hockey with 16,014 fans.
* Frost Victory: Minnesota Frost defeated Seattle Torrent 3-0.
* Growing Popularity: The event highlights the increasing interest in the PWHL and women’s hockey.
* Early Season Struggles: Both the Torrent and Frost have faced challenges in their first few games.
The PWHL’s inaugural season is off to an exciting start, and the success of the Seattle Torrent’s home opener signals a shining future for the league and the sport of women’s hockey. As the season progresses, it will be captivating to see if other cities can challenge Seattle’s attendance record and further demonstrate the growing fanbase for professional women’s hockey.
Worth a look