The National Women's Hockey League is moving swiftly to expand to Toronto and Montreal following the demise of its Canadian-based rival.
NWHL Commissioner Dani Rylan told The Associated Press on Tuesday the league's board had approved an investment plan to establish teams in Canada's two largest cities for the start of next season. Rylan also said her league has received a commitment from the NHL that will make it one of the NWHLs biggest financial sponsors.
Rylan said the expansion decision and NHL's increased backing weren't exactly connected. She instead views the NHL's increased financial support as "an endorsement of our business and the brands that we're growing." NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman previously told The AP he was hesitant about the league assuming control of the CWHL or NWHL or both because, as he put it, "we don't believe in their models." At the time, he emphasized the importance of starting with a clean slate.
"We are disappointed and shocked to learn of the CWHL's plan to shut down league operations," the team said. "There are many unanswered questions about the future, but we will continue to create dialogue with our teammates, fellow players and leagues. Our priority as players is to move forward and advance the game at all levels, and to ensure female hockey players have a viable league for the future.
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