The PWHL game in Washington, D.C., shattered attendance records, drawing 17,228 fans to Capital One Arena. This marked a significant milestone, surpassing the previous U.S. record of 16,014 set in Seattle. The Montreal Victoire and New York Sirens faced off in front of a packed house, showcasing the growing popularity of women's hockey. Hayley Scamurra, a forward for the Victoire, expressed her awe, noting the exceptional energy and support from the crowd, which she described as the loudest she's ever experienced. The Capitals owner, Ted Leonsis, praised the historic moment, emphasizing the excellence of the athletes and the increasing demand for women's sports. This game was part of the PWHL's 2025-26 Takeover Tour, featuring 16 neutral-site games across the U.S. and Canada. The tour aims to evaluate potential expansion sites and build on the league's success, which began with six teams in 2024 and expanded to Seattle and Vancouver this season. The attendance growth is remarkable, considering the previous event in D.C. in 2023, which had a much smaller audience.
