With a 4-1 win against Norway, Austria’s ice hockey women finished the Wörthersee Trophy in third place and gained self-confidence for the first A World Championship in November in Denmark.
Among other things, world champions USA are waiting there. PWHL legionnaire Theresa Schafzahl is already looking forward to the highlight: “Austria is taking part in an A World Cup for the first time. And the duel against the Americans will be a nice challenge,” said the Styrian native to the “Crown newspaper“.
The 25-year-old striker from Weiz plays in the North American professional league PWHL and is currently at the top with Boston Fleet. “The season is going really well for us, although anything can happen in the four-team play-off. The league is extremely tight,” says Schafzahl. The league continues to grow, expansion to additional locations is planned, and fan interest is constantly increasing.
PWHL level not comparable
The Austrian describes the level in North America as significantly higher than in Europe: “Women’s ice hockey in North America is on a different level than here, thanks to the best players from Europe.” She is particularly impressed by Canada’s superstar Marie-Philip Poulin: “She’s a legend! … Her level is incredible!”
Currently only two Austrians are active in the PWHL: Schafzahl and national team captain Anna Meixner. However, with the planned league expansion by two to four teams, Schafzahl is hoping for more local players: “But with the planned league expansion, we hope for local supplies.”
12 teams by 2031
The league’s plan is to reach twelve teams by 2031, when the framework agreement expires. The Canadian market in particular is very interested in additional PWHL clubs, especially Halifax. Also in the circle of possible new locations are Quebec City, Hamilton, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and possibly Saskatoon. In the USA, Denver, Washington and Kansas City are likely to be the biggest “contenders”.
Image: Nicolas Zangerle/NZ Photos
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