NWHL cancels expansion plans, open to creation of new league

The National Women's Hockey League is canceling its plans to add two Canadian expansion teams with a long-term goal of a sustainable league in mind.

"As we said in April, we secured the investment required to add at least two teams. However, to expand properly, as we did in Minnesota, time, cooperation, and preparation is required. We would love to have more teams in 2019-20 and will make it happen if there is a spirit of partnership from all sides. Unless there is a change of heart soon, we will revisit expansion for the 2020-21 season," the league said in a statement Thursday.

Just two days after the Canadian Women's Hockey League announced it was folding after a 12-year run, the NWHL said it was expected to add teams in Toronto and Montreal.

However, a lot has changed since.

Earlier this month, over 200 women's hockey players announced they will be boycotting professional hockey this season until a plan for a viable league is in place.

While there is uncertainty surrounding the rosters for the upcoming season, the NWHL is open to the creation of a new league.

"If any individuals or groups come forward and declare they are ready to start and invest in a new league where women can receive a substantial full-time salary and medical insurance, we would be ecstatic to have a conversation about a partnership or passing the torch."

Professional women's hockey players were making as little as $2,000 a season with no health benefits.

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