Annie Camins has a rink full of memories from the inaugural season of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), where she is the vice president hockey operations.
The journey started on opening day this past January 1 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto where the visitors, New York, skated away with a 4-0 victory. The game was a “powerful and emotional culmination of 125 days of hard work,” said Camins, a Chicago resident who spent 14 years working for the Blackhawks as the senior director, youth and amateur hockey. He joined the PWHL last July.
Camins witnessed the sold-out game at Bell Centre in Montreal, with the crowd’s incredible response to Marie-Philip Poulin’s introduction, she said.
One of her final memories from the 2024 PWHL season was pure Chicago, as Kendall Coyne Schofield lifted the Walter Cup after Minnesota captured the championship, which was “a full-circle moment as she helped build the league and now got to celebrate its success,” Camins said.
Camins also had her daughter, Amelia, 12, with her at many PWHL moments, which made them even more meaningful, she said.
PWHL season one was “a huge success,” Camins said. “(There was) so much to reflect on and learn from as we look to build for year two. It may have been more successful than most would have thought, but we always knew the on-ice product was there. It was giving the players the stage to showcase their talents on, and they did.
“From day 1 of puck drop to game 5 of the Walter Cup Finals, it was designed to bring innovation to the sport, excitement for the fans and first-class treatment for the players. I think we accomplished that.”
Camins’ role with the league was, well, everything. “We were all hands on-deck to get the league up and running for the players,” she said. “My responsibilities ranged from ordering skate sharpeners and washers and dryers for all six teams to setting up technology for the players and coaches, and everything in between.”
Six teams skated in the league’s first season: Minnesota, New York, Boston, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. Each played a 24-game regular season, with Toronto finishing with a best 17-7 record.
“I was fortunate to witness games in all our markets, as well as our out-of-market games in Detroit and Pittsburgh,” Camins said. “Our fans are incredibly passionate and excited about the PWHL and our players. The energy and noise are electric. It’s wonderful to see families and friends enjoying such great hockey, creating an atmosphere that’s both fun and inspiring.
“The level of play in the PWHL is exceptional — fast, physical and highly skilled. We have 150 of the best women’s hockey players in the world; their talent and dedication are evident in every game.
“The season’s parity made the finals particularly thrilling. It came down to the last game of the regular season to determine the playoff seeding. One of our innovative approaches was allowing the No. 1 seed to choose their opponent between the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds. Toronto chose Minnesota, who had just squeezed into the playoffs after losing their last several games. The excitement and unpredictability added to the emotional intensity of the finals.”
Camins said her years with the Blackhawks certainly helped prepare her for the PWHL, particularly a strong foundation in professional sports management and operations. “The experience taught me about logistics, fan engagement and the importance of planning,” she said. “These skills were invaluable when we were setting up the PWHL, allowing me to transition smoothly and effectively contribute to the league’s success.”
The league, she said, is “a transformative movement that provides visibility, opportunities and recognition to incredibly talented athletes. It’s about empowering women, inspiring young girls, and fostering a sense of community and equality in sports. It’s about setting a path for the future to allow the next generation of hockey players to have a platform to stand on. As Billie Jean King says, ‘You have to see it to be it.’”
Natalie Spooner (Toronto) led the league in both goals and points. After the season, she was named the league’s first winner of the Billie Jean King MVP Award and was named the league’s top forward. Kristen Campbell (Toronto) won top goaltender honors and Troy Ryan (Toronto) was named coach of the year.
Minnesota captain Kendall Coyne Schofield – who was born in Palos Heights and attended Sandburg High School – was the first player to lift The Walter Cup, and her finals included an empty net goal to seal the victory for Minnesota.
“Watching Kendall hoist The Walter Cup was incredibly emotional,” Camins said. “It symbolized the culmination of her relentless effort and dedication to building the league. Seeing her raise the trophy was a powerful full-circle moment, representing not just her personal achievements and the success of everyone involved in the PWHL, but every single athlete who came before her to build this league.
“It’s been fantastic to see Illinois well-represented in the PWHL. Jesse Compher for Toronto and Savannah Harmon in Ottawa, along with many others, showed incredible skill and dedication, contributing significantly to their teams and the league’s overall success. Their presence is inspiring for local fans and young athletes in our state. I know we will see a lot more amazing players come out of Illinois next season.”
Camins said there already is a “sense of excitement and anticipation” for year two. “We’ve laid a strong foundation and now we can build on our successes, learn from our experiences and continue to grow the league. The goal is to make the second season even more thrilling and impactful for players, fans and the entire hockey community. I’m excited to see the talent with the amazing new draftees.”
Future generations now know they have a professional home.
“The PWHL serves as an inspiration for young girls playing hockey,” Camins said. “It shows them that there are opportunities to play professional hockey and that their dreams are attainable. The league promotes inclusivity, dedication and the pursuit of excellence, encouraging young athletes to strive for greatness. They now know they can one day be like Kendall, Jesse or Savannah. It’s so exciting to witness it firsthand.”
Camins added: “One of the most rewarding aspects of my role in the PWHL is seeing the direct impact we have on our fans in the community and the next generation of players. Every day, I’m reminded of the importance of our work — not just in terms of professional sports, but in driving forward a culture of equality and opportunity in all areas of life. This is just the beginning and I am so thankful to be a part of this.”