Women’s Hockey is Taking Over: The Rise of the Sport & The Amanda Kessel Story

There is a seismic shift happening in the world of professional sports. For decades, male-dominated leagues commanded the lion’s share of media attention, sponsorship dollars, and broadcast time. But the tide is turning. From basketball courts to ice rinks, female athletes are not just competing, they are shattering records and redefining what it means to be a professional athlete.

At the forefront of this movement is the explosive growth of women’s hockey. The sport is currently enjoying unprecedented success, driven by high-level competition and a rapidly expanding fanbase. Central to this narrative are the athletes who have dedicated their lives to the game, transitioning from celebrated players to influential leaders.

One such figure is Amanda Kessel. A household name for hockey families, Kessel has conquered the collegiate level, the Olympic stage, and is now making waves in the front office. To understand where the sport is going, we have to look at the trailblazers like Kessel who are paving the way.

The Unstoppable Growth of Women’s Hockey

For a long time, the question surrounding professional women’s hockey was about sustainability. Could a league find a dedicated audience? The answer, provided emphatically by the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), is a resounding yes.

The numbers telling this story are staggering. In its inaugural season, the PWHL didn’t just meet expectations; it obliterated them. The league set a world record for a women’s professional hockey game when over 21,000 fans packed the Bell Centre in Montreal. To put that in perspective, that attendance number rivals, and in some cases exceeds, attendance figures for NHL games.

This wasn’t a one-off event. By early 2026, the league saw an 18% year-over-year increase in attendance, averaging nearly 8,600 fans per game. In Washington, D.C., a game set a United States attendance record for women’s hockey with 17,228 spectators.

The Business of the Game

The growth isn’t just in ticket sales; the business infrastructure is solidifying. By June 2025, corporate partnerships had grown by 50%, signaling that major brands see the value in investing in women’s hockey. Merchandise sales also saw a 100% year-over-year increase, proving that fans are eager to wear their team colors.

Perhaps most importantly, this financial success is trickling down to the athletes. The league established strong salary floors to ensure players can focus entirely on their training and performance. 

In the inaugural season, 18 foundational players earned at least $80,000, with some salaries exceeding $100,000. This financial stability is crucial for the long-term health of the sport, ensuring the best talent stays on the ice.

Who is Amanda Kessel?

While the league’s statistics are impressive, the heart of the sport lies in its stars. Amanda Kessel is synonymous with American hockey excellence. Born into a sporting family, she is the sister of three-time Stanley Cup champion Phil Kessel and Blake Kessel, who also played college hockey. However, Amanda has carved out a legacy that stands entirely on its own merits.

Kessel is known for her explosive speed, playmaking ability, and high hockey IQ. Her journey began to gain national attention during her collegiate career at the University of Minnesota. There, she was nothing short of dominant, helping the Golden Gophers secure three national championships. Her time in the NCAA served as a launching pad for an illustrious international career.

Olympic Glory and International Dominance

For many fans, Amanda Kessel is best known for her heroics wearing the Red, White, and Blue. She has been a staple of the US Women’s National Team, representing her country on the sport’s biggest stage.

Her trophy cabinet is the stuff of dreams. She is a three-time Olympic medalist:

• 2014 Sochi Games: Silver Medal
• 2018 PyeongChang Games: Gold Medal
• 2022 Beijing Games: Silver Medal

The 2018 Gold Medal run was particularly historic, as Team USA broke a 20-year drought to defeat their arch-rivals, Canada, in a thrilling shootout. Beyond the Olympics, Kessel has multiple gold medals from the IIHF World Championships, cementing her status as one of the most decorated forwards in the modern era.

From the Ice to the Front Office

What makes Amanda Kessel’s story particularly compelling right now is her transition from being a star player to a key decision-maker. While many athletes retire and step away from the game, Kessel has doubled down on her commitment to hockey.

She has joined the Pittsburgh Penguins front office, participating in an executive management program. This role is not merely ceremonial. Kessel is gaining hands-on experience across critical departments, including corporate sponsorships, communications, and hockey operations.

This move is significant for several reasons. First, it highlights the Pittsburgh Penguins’ commitment to diversifying hockey leadership. Second, it allows Kessel to apply her lifetime of on-ice knowledge to the business and operational side of an NHL franchise. She is learning how a championship-caliber organization runs from the inside out, preparing for a long-term career in hockey management.

Bridging the Gap: The PWHL Connection

Despite her executive duties, the competitor in Kessel remains active. Her involvement in the PWHL highlights the unique position she occupies in the hockey world.

In the inaugural PWHL draft, Kessel was selected by Montreal. This selection indicated a strong desire to potentially return to professional play while balancing her responsibilities with the Penguins. It bridges the gap between the established NHL world and the burgeoning new era of the PWHL.

Her involvement brings legitimacy and star power to the new league, while her work with the Penguins provides her with the executive acumen that could one day help run the league itself. She represents the full lifecycle of a modern female athlete: a dominant collegiate player, an Olympic hero, and a savvy business executive.

The Future is Bright

The trajectory of women’s hockey is undeniable. With attendance records rising, salaries rising, and legends like Amanda Kessel steering the ship both on the ice and in the boardroom, the sport is in its golden era.

The success of the PWHL and the integration of female minds into NHL front offices suggest that the ecosystem of hockey is becoming more inclusive and more robust. For fans, this means better competition, better access to games, and a brighter future for the next generation of girls lacing up their skates.

Catch the Next Generation of Stars

The excitement of hockey isn’t limited to the international stage. The future stars of the sport are developing right now in your backyard. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins bring high-octane hockey to the ice every week, featuring the prospects who will one day dominate the league.

Don’t miss out on the hard-hitting action and the electric atmosphere. Be part of the community that supports the growth of the game at all levels. Get your tickets for the next WBS Penguins game here!