The PWHL announced its first All-Star event will take place next year, marking another significant milestone for the league's continued growth and expansion.
PWHL All-Star -- set for March 7, 2027, in Toronto -- was revealed in a media release Thursday. The showcase will feature a four-team, 3-on-3 tournament at Scotiabank Arena with its own unique format.
The teams themselves -- made up of 10-player rosters with six forwards, three defenders and one goaltender -- will be made up of groups from PWHL Canada, PWHL International, PWHL USA, and PWHL Rookies. In this instance, all players in their first PWHL season, regardless of age, are eligible for the rookies' team.
After an opening round robin, there will be a semifinal game to determine who faces the top-ranked squad in the PWHL All-Star Final.
The All-Stars will be chosen through a combination of fan, player and media voting. Reserve players will be selected by league hockey operations.
The PWHL launched its inaugural regular season in 2024 with a matchup between Toronto and New York. The league has been working toward creating a signature event such as an All-Star Game to spotlight its established and rising stars.
"The PWHL was built to feature the best players in the world, and now fans will see the highest level of skill in women's hockey showcased in a new and unique way," said Jayna Hefford, PWHL executive vice president of hockey operations, in a statement. "The 3-on-3 format creates an intense, fast-paced style of play, while the mix of teams will produce intriguing matchups and give both established stars and emerging talent the opportunity to shine. It's only fitting that we return to Toronto -- where the PWHL first dropped the puck -- to bring the best of the best together for an unforgettable day for our fans and our league."