The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) isn’t just growing in 2026, it’s shaping culture. As women’s sports continue their long-overdue rise, the PWHL has become one of the clearest examples of what it looks like when a league gets it right: strong competition, record-setting attendance, and a visible, unapologetic embrace of queer and lesbian athletes. At a moment when the NHL has pulled back from inclusivity, even banning Pride nights, the PWHL has moved in the opposite direction, creating a league where queer players and fans are not an afterthought but a core part of the community.
That timing matters. Queer hockey is everywhere right now, fueled by pop culture moments like the wildly popular Heated Rivalry, which has pulled sapphic sports obsession into the mainstream and lit up social media. While some fictional rivals are still circling each other for nearly a decade before making it to the cottage, lesbians have already claimed hockey as a full-blown cultural era. Jerseys, fan edits, packed arenas, and loud queer pride are no longer niche. They’re the vibe.
For many queer and lesbian athletes, sports have always been a place of belonging, sometimes long before they had the language for their identity. Representation at the professional level matters, and the PWHL delivers it in a way few leagues ever have. With plans to expand further, adding potential teams in cities like Pittsburgh, Detroit, Chicago, Québec City, Halifax, and Vancouver, the league is opening even more doors for queer athletes to be seen, celebrated, and supported.
One of the PWHL’s most defining traits is its undeniable queer presence. This isn’t a league where LGBTQ+ players are hidden or quietly tolerated. They’re visible, vocal, and central to the culture. Here’s a look at the incredible LGBTQ+ athletes helping define the PWHL and why queer hockey in 2026 feels less like a trend and more like a movement.
Jess Healey
Hilary Knight
Emma Greco
Amanda Pelkey
Jamie Lee Rattray
Michela Cava
Liz Schepers
New York
The New York Sirens are making waves in the PWHL with their bold play and unstoppable drive, perfectly capturing the city’s fierce, unapologetic energy. With a roster of talented athletes who are as stylish off the ice as they are skilled on it, they’re ready to take on the league. While they do play in NJ, if you coming from out of town make it a weekend and check out some of the queer fun in NYC.
Johanna Fällman
Abbey Levy
Micah Zandee-Hart
Chloé Aurard
Alex Carpenter
Jade Downie-Landry
Élizabeth Giguère
Madison Packer
Jill Saulnier
Elaine Chuli
Erin Ambrose
Amanda Boulier
Sarah Bujold
Mélodie Daoust
Kennedy Marchment
Marie-Philip Poulin
Laura Stacey
Ronja Savolainen
Emerance Maschmeyer
Zoe Boyd
Emily Clark
Shiann Darkangelo
Brianne Jenner
Anna Kjellbin
Kristen Campbell
Allie Munroe
Hannah Miller
Carly Jackson
These athletes aren’t just playing the game—they’re leading the charge in making professional hockey a more inclusive space. Many of these players have spoken openly about their identities, relationships, and the importance of creating a safe, welcoming environment for future generations of queer athletes. Players like Hilary Knight and Marie-Philip Poulin are not only legends on the ice but also powerful figures in the push for gender equity and LGBTQ+ representation in sports.
The PWHL’s dedication to inclusion is evident in every aspect of its operations. Teams don’t just host Pride nights—they fully integrate LGBTQ+ visibility into the experience, from jerseys designed by queer artists to partnerships with local organizations. It’s a stark contrast to the NHL, where inclusivity has taken a backseat in recent years. At PWHL games, it’s not just about representation—it’s about belonging.
As the league continues to grow and set new records, one thing remains clear: the PWHL isn’t just changing women’s hockey. It’s setting a new standard for what true inclusion in sports should look like.
