BREAKING: CWHL to fold on May 1

In a shocking move that no one saw coming, the Canadian Women’s Hockey League announced they will discontinue operations on May 1, 2019. They cited an unsustainable business model as the reason behind their decision.

New management, led by Jayna Hefford, and the new Board, put in place in Summer & Fall 2018 respectively, have proactively worked with our contract staff, players, GM’s, industry partners and corporate sponsors to establish an adequate revenue base, good governance, and high-quality hockey on the ice. Unfortunately the business model that has been the foundation of the League is not sustainable financially.

The six-team league just finished its 12th season of play last weekend. The Clarkson Cup finals had set a record for viewership at 175,000, which was broadcast live over three channels in North America. This past season saw a huge influx of Olympians from across the globe joining the league as well.

However, there was some trouble on the horizon. Just one season after adding two teams in China, the league contracted one of them. They also lost an investor in November.

The IIHF World Championships start on Thursday, with at least 25 players from the league playing in the tournament.

This is a breaking story. Stay with The Ice Garden as we’ll have more information as it becomes available.