A Milestone on Ice
On February 25, 2019, Kendall Coyne Schofield stepped onto the NHL All‑Star stage in San Jose, becoming the first woman to compete in the event. Her sprint across the ice was timed at 14.346 seconds, a respectable effort that was quickly eclipsed by Connor McDavid’s 13.378‑second run, underscoring the speed that now defines the sport.
The moment resonated far beyond the scoreboard. Jonathan Becher, then President of the San Jose Sharks, watched the historic lap and felt a spark of possibility. Inspired by Coyne Schofield’s breakthrough, he began envisioning a dedicated women’s franchise that could call the city home.
From Vision to Reality
Seven years later, the Professional Women’s Hockey League announced the creation of a San Jose franchise, officially branding it PWHL San Jose. The league held its press conference on May 19, 2026, confirming that the team’s inaugural home game would be staged at SAP Center, the very arena where Coyne Schofield’s lap had once echoed.
The upcoming matchup will not only showcase elite talent but also serve as a symbolic bridge between the NHL’s historic All‑Star tradition and the growing momentum of women’s professional hockey. With the Sharks organization backing the effort, the city expects a new wave of interest and investment in the sport.