A new chapter is unfolding for women’s professional hockey in Canada, as the Fraser Valley Super League (FVSL) prepares for its inaugural season this fall.
The league was founded by former NHL enforcer John Craighead, who saw a gap in elite development opportunities for female players after their college or professional campaigns concluded.
Elite Talent Gathers for Inaugural Season
The FVSL promises a high‑level development and showcase environment, bringing together some of the most promising female athletes from the Professional Women’s Hockey League, NCAA programs and Canadian university circuits.
Among the standout names on the roster are PWHL veterans Jennifer Gardiner and Sandra Abstreiter, alongside NCAA standouts Ainsley D'Ottavio, Jordan Baxter, Molly Cole, Aurora Kahlert and Cass Kehler.
Emerging talents such as Jenna Buglioni, Malia Schneider, Tova Henderson, Kim Newell and Grace Elliott are also set to compete, adding depth to a lineup that already boasts international experience.
Leah Lum, a former PWHL player who stepped away from the sport, has announced her intention to make a comeback in the FVSL, generating excitement among fans and analysts alike.
The league’s creator, John Craighead, emphasized that the competition will not only sharpen skills but also serve as a scouting ground for future professional opportunities, including potential links to the PWHL and overseas clubs.
With venues spread across British Columbia, the FVSL will host games in front of enthusiastic local crowds, while also streaming online to reach a broader audience of hockey enthusiasts.