When the Vancouver-based PWHL expansion team faces off against Seattle on November 21, their name and logo will be prominently displayed at center ice in Pacific Coliseum, marking a significant moment for women’s hockey in the Pacific region.
The Vancouver franchise will be known as the Vancouver Goldeneyes, while their counterparts in Seattle will be named the Seattle Torrent, as revealed by the PWHL. This move signifies the league’s expansion to eight teams from its original six, with players gearing up to start training camps before the opening night later this month.
The branding process for these two new women’s pro hockey teams began earlier in the year when Vancouver and Seattle were announced as expansion markets. According to Kanan Bhatt-Shah, the PWHL’s vice president of brand and marketing, the inspiration for the team identities stemmed from nature, with a focus on authenticity, strength, and resilience.
The Vancouver Goldeneyes draw their name from the protective common goldeneye bird found in the region, with their logo featuring the bird’s distinctive eye. The team’s primary colors of Pacific blue, coastal cream, and earthy bronze complement the hints of sunset gold and sky blue, symbolizing Vancouver’s spirit of unity and strength.
On the other hand, Seattle’s branding reflects the waterways of Washington, with the Seattle Torrent logo showcasing a stylized ‘S’ representing both the city and the flowing water. The team’s name pays homage to the frequent rain in the Pacific Northwest, emphasizing the region’s connection to water.
While the league has already made team gear available for purchase with the new names and logos, the jerseys for the Vancouver Goldeneyes and Seattle Torrent will initially feature the city names across the chest. This decision was made due to time constraints, with plans to incorporate the new logos in the future.
The PWHL season kicks off on November 21, with the Toronto Sceptres facing the Minnesota Frost followed by the Vancouver Goldeneyes hosting the Seattle Torrent. Each team will play 30 games during the season, with a break scheduled for the Olympics.