When the new Pacific Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) team in Vancouver faces off against the Seattle expansion team on November 21, the team’s name and logo will be showcased at center ice in the Pacific Coliseum, symbolizing the beginning of a new era for women’s hockey in Vancouver.
The Vancouver team will be known as the Goldeneyes, while their cross-border rival in Seattle will go by the name of the Seattle Torrent, as announced by the PWHL. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the league’s growth, increasing the number of teams from six to eight. Players are gearing up for training camps starting this Friday in preparation for the opening night later this month.
The branding process for the two new women’s pro hockey teams commenced earlier this year when Vancouver and Seattle were identified as expansion markets. Kanan Bhatt-Shah, the PWHL’s vice president of brand and marketing, emphasized the importance of nature as a key inspiration for the team identities, reflecting elements of strength, empowerment, and resilience.
The Vancouver Goldeneyes draw their name from the fiercely protective common goldeneye bird commonly found in the area, known for its distinct yellow eyes. The team’s logo incorporates these eyes and features colors like Pacific blue, coastal cream, and earthy bronze, complementing the sunset gold and sky blue hues. The Goldeneyes’ logo symbolizes Vancouver’s spirit of unity, strength, and determination as they strive for excellence.
Reflecting the waterways of Washington, Seattle’s branding for the Torrent highlights a stylized “S” in its logo, representing both the city of Seattle and the flow of water. The name also references the region’s frequent rainfall, embodying the strength and energy associated with water. The league has already made team gear available for sale with the new names and logos.
While the new logos won’t appear on the jerseys immediately due to time constraints, the Goldeneyes and Torrent will wear jerseys with the city names for the first season. This tradition aligns with how the original six PWHL teams started, emphasizing the city’s pride and spirit. The league’s new season is set to kick off on November 21, with the Toronto Sceptres facing the Minnesota Frost in the opening game followed by the Vancouver Torrent taking on the Seattle Goldeneyes on the same night.