The Professional Women’s Hockey League scheduled two games in Chicago as part of the Takeover Tour. The Chicago Takeover featured the Ottawa Charge playing the Minnesota Frost.

With the PWHL currently having eight teams, the Takeover Tour is designed to bring hockey to other cities and grow the game. The Takeover Tour includes 16 neutral site games in cities without PWHL teams. The second Takeover Chicago game will feature the Seattle Torrent playing the New York Sirens.

As always, I arrived very early to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, just west of Chicago. With this being the weekend prior to Christmas, I wondered how the first professional women’s hockey game featuring two non-Chicago teams would draw. Because Chicagoans love hockey, I figured on a large crowd, but I was still impressed as I saw the lower bowl of the arena quickly fill. The upper level was eventually opened to accommodate more fans. The final tally was 7,238, slightly lower than the league average of 7,936. That’s impressive considering neither team was a Chicago team.

© PWHL

After Chicago’s Wayne Messmer belted out both anthems, Emmy and Peabody-award winning journalist Sarah Spain dropped the ceremonial first puck. About halfway through the first period, Ottawa’s Ronja Savolainen scored. Similarly, halfway through the second period, Minnesota’s Britta Curl-Salemme notched a goal to tie the score. Ottawa retook the lead when Brianne Jenner scored with just seconds left in the second period. A few minutes into the third period, Minnesota’s Mae Batherson tied it again with her first career goal. The game went into overtime, giving the fans bonus hockey! Ottawa’s Sarah Wozniewicz scored the game-winner, her first PWHL goal, about four minutes into the extra period.

© PWHL

© PWHL

© PWHL

Adding to the overall excitement, the game did have a little Chicago flavor. Ottawa’s Taylor House is from Joliet, about an hour south of Chicago. Minnesota’s Kendall Coyne Schofield, a three-time Olympian, is a native of Palos Heights, also about an hour south of Chicago. Additionally, Ottawa’s coach Carla MacLeod, a two-time Olympian, starred a bit north at the University of Wisconsin.

Post-game, I attended the press sessions for both teams. House stated, “It’s huge to have the chance to play in front of your home fans and being given the chance to grow the game here and see how far it’s come since I’ve even played here.” Seeing all the young girls wearing PWHL jerseys, I  agree. On the way out, I chatted briefly with Frost players Abby Hustler and Katy Knoll. I joked with them about being an old guy fan, but they appreciate all fans.

Abby Hustler

Katy Knoll

The two-time defending champion Frost are now tied with the Toronto Sceptres for third place. The Charge are scuffling a bit, with five points for last place. About a quarter through the 30-game season, there is plenty of time left for both teams.

After I posted on social media, several of my friends messaged me about future games. I think the March game will have an even bigger crowd.

I am very excited about the PWHL. I already enjoyed watching games on the PWHL YouTube channel, but seeing the live action was even better. Now  I just need a team based here!

— John Wroblewski, online writer