Canada has been without professional women's hockey since the Canadian Women's Hockey League folded back in March. However, there's now word the NHL is considering a women's league of its own, complete with six teams, including two in Canada.
The revelation was made by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman during the 2nd intermission of Saturday night's game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. According to Friedman, "There is word that the NHL is working on a women's league if the time ever becomes necessary. Six teams, maybe two in Canada. Sounds like there is a plan being worked on and put in place in case the NHL needs to step in."
The National Women's Hockey League is currently the only existing professional women's league in North America, and it has faced a bit of turmoil recently. Before the 2019-20 season began, Pegula Sports and Entertainment severed ties to the Buffalo Beauts franchise and the New Jersey Devils ended their partnership with the New York Riveters. Also, many of the best players in the world, who were previously playing in the CWHL, refused to go to the last remaining league in a dispute over fair salaries and health insurance. More than 200 players released a joint statement in the summer, stating their intent to not participate in the NWHL.
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