When the NWHL returns to the city of Pittsburgh (or more aptly the suburb of Cranberry) for the third time, it will likely be to test, once again, the area’s desire and feasibility for a franchise, following a wildly successful All-Star competition hosted there in 2017 and a regular season matchup between the Buffalo Beauts and the Connecticut Whale.
Beyond just the desire of the NWHL to potentially expand into cities like Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., there are several reasons why Pittsburgh is a prime contender to land a team.
Even in 2016, the Pittsburgh area recognized the potential for bringing in a professional women’s hockey team.