Minnesota PWHL shatters crowd record

The PWHL's Minnesota franchise drew 13,316 to the Xcel Energy Center on Saturday for its home debut, which “shattered the attendance record for a women's professional hockey game," easily beating the previous record of 8,318 set days before in Ottawa . Minnesota is the league's “only team to play on NHL ice” ( Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 1/6 ). Following the team's 3-0 victory over Montreal, Minnesota F  Grace Zumwinkle said, “A huge credit to the state of Minnesota for the huge turnout. It definitely made it a good, professional environment out there.” Saturday’s crowd included a “large contingent of girls in hockey jerseys” ( St. Paul PIONEER PRESS, 1/6 ).

The product on the ice “delivered.” It was “fast, physical, entertaining hockey being played by elite talent” in a league that “gives indications of being a credible, sustainable operation.” The “supportive reaction” from fans in Minnesota and other markets has “provided a gust of wind at the league's back.” If the product is “top notch and supported in the right way, fans will pay attention” ( Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 1/6 ).