After the league was put on hold due to a large number of COVID-19 cases. The NWHL returns to attempt on finishing off the 2021 season.
Earlier this month on March 8th, the NWHL released a statement that the league would be looking to finish their 2021 season after suspended their season in early February. The league has been able to hold onto their deal with NBCSN to host the semi-finals and finals on their stations and also maintained their partnership with Discover financial services. The timing of this news couldn’t have been better as they announced it on International Women’s Day.
New Looks For Semi-Finals
While the NWHL and their fans are excited to see the conclusion of an already challenging season, there are new teams entering the final stages of the tournament. Originally, the semi-finals looked set with the Boston Pride taking on the Minnesota Whitecaps and the Buffalo Beauts taking on the Toronto Six. But as stated in the press release, it looks like the Connecticut Whale will be back after withdrawing from the tournament prior to the suspension. They will be taking on the Minnesota Whitecaps.
This means that the Buffalo Beauts are out of the tournament and instead the Toronto Six will face off against the Boston Pride based on seeding. While we don’t know the exact reason for the team switch, everyone that supports the league should be excited that the league is looking to wrap up a grueling season on the players, staff, and league itself. These games should still provide great entertainment for fans of the league despite the teams be changed. Even given the circumstances, the thought of them still playing on national television is special.
Finishing Off Strong
The fact that the league was able to pull off a season during the pandemic was a great feat in itself. Now being able to finish what they started is truly special. It shows that this league has strong backing by many of it’s fans and partners as it is able to hold it’s head high and try to finish off the season. What is remarkable is the fact that the league was able to still retain their deals with NBCSN and Discover financial services.
The NWHL no doubt needs the financial backing of it’s fans and partners to keep this league thriving and it looks like they are rewarding those contributors with these games. The NWHL originally started the season in Lake Placid, New York State, but it looks like the semi-finals and finals will be now taking place in Boston’s Warrior Ice Arena. The change of scenery shouldn’t affect the players, however, the Boston Pride might feel like it’s a home field advantage for them with the games now taking place in Boston.
Either way, it’s great to see this league get back up on it’s feet after getting knocked down by the pandemic. These games will be entertaining and it should excite fans to see who wins it all after such a strenuous season. All of these teams should be applauded for their hard work this year. When it’s all said and done, sports fans will look back and appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in helping finish off the NWHL season.