Today, the NWHL announced a return to their season after a temporary suspension due to COVID-19 outbreaks. In a statement by the NWHL, Commissioner Tyler Tumminia revealed the Isobel Cup playoff schedule. Originally scheduled in February, the Isobel Cup playoffs are slated to return March 26th with improved health and safety protocols.
The completion of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) Isobel Cup Playoffs, presented by @Discover, will take place March 26-27 at @WarriorIceArena in Brighton, Massachusetts on @NBCSports! #InternationalWomensDay
Details: https://t.co/I3NvT1GJXL pic.twitter.com/o9qJVpfK0e
— PHF (@PHF) March 8, 2021
NWHL Playoffs Resume March 26
Four teams will compete in the NWHL playoffs: the Connecticut Whale, Toronto Six, Boston Pride, and Minnesota Whitecaps. This will be the sixth Isobel Cup in NWHL history, following their inaugural 2016 season. In a historic move, the Isobel Cup playoffs will be aired on NBCSN, the first nationally-covered event in NWHL history. Games will take place at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton, Massachusetts with increased COVID-19 protocols.
“International Women’s Day is the perfect time to promote our athletes who will have the platform to make ‘HERstory’ by finishing what they started in a safe environment…it means a great deal to our athletes to have the opportunity to compete to lift the Isobel Cup. ” – NWHL commissioner Tyler Tummina.
NWHL COVID-19 Protocols
The Isobel Cup playoffs will begin with zero attendance. Players and staff will receive daily COVID-19 testing. Both the NWHL and Warrior Ice Arena will have protocols in place to ensure the safety of the players and staff. Additionally, public health officials will organize the protocols, which will become available as the NWHL playoffs commence.
Over the last year, NWHL viewership has increased by 140%. With NBCSN showcasing the league’s playoff games, viewership is slated to increase, offering thousands of hockey fans across North America the chance to experience NWHL playoff hockey. You can watch NWHL playoff hockey on March 26th on NBCSN at 5 p.m. EST between the Minnesota Whitecaps and Connecticut Whale.
