LANSING — On Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement on the announcement of the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s (PWHL) expansion to Detroit, including a new professional women’s hockey team and the 2026 PWHL Awards Ceremony and Draft on June 16 and 17, 2026:

“I’m so excited Hockeytown is now home to the newest team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, as well as the 2026 draft. From selling out stadiums to setting attendance records, our fans show out when women’s hockey shows up.

“Detroit sports fans are the best in the world. Michiganders already make up so much of the PWHL’s talent, as well as much of the Olympic gold winning teams, and we’re ready to build on Michigan’s hockey momentum. This will inspire more young girls and women who play hockey in arenas and backyards across our state to follow their dreams right here in Michigan.

“Welcome to Detroit.”