Sportsnet will broadcast the Canadian Women’s Hockey League’s playoffs and special events for the next four years starting this season.
The deal between Sportsnet and the league was announced Tuesday and includes the broadcast of three games during the annual Clarkson Cup championship tournament next March and “at least one special event game to be announced in early October,” according to the CWHL’s press release.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled that Sportsnet is on board to be our official Canadian playoff and special event broadcast partner,” says CWHL commissioner Brenda Andress.
Women’s hockey will also have pride of place on sportsnet.ca, with game scores being featured on the site for the first time ever.
“This deal means unprecedented exposure for the female game, with more fans getting the chance to see our talented players in action, and more young girls getting inspired to lace up their skates and pick up a stick,” Andress says.
“Getting a committed national sports broadcaster on board is crucial to growing our game,” says two-time Olympic gold medallist and Calgary Inferno player Meaghan Mikkelson.
“Having several Clarkson Cup games air on television screens across the country will help get more hockey fans from coast-to-coast excited about women’s hockey.”