Toronto and Montreal Bid Farewell To Historic First Homes

As PWHL Toronto and PWHL Montreal prepare to move on from their smaller, 'starter' arenas, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the two rinks that housed these teams during their inaugural seasons.

Both Toronto's Mattamy Athletic Centre and Montreal's Verdun Auditorium will be fondly remembered as charming, unique venues. While they may have quickly been outgrown, these arenas served their teams and fans well, offering special qualities that will hold a lasting place in the hearts of the original fanbases.

For the upcoming season, PWHL Toronto announced it will play its home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum , moving from Mattamy, where they consistently played to sold-out crowds throughout the league’s debut season. The shift to Coca-Cola Coliseum comes after Toronto hosted three sold-out playoff games in 2024, with an average of over 8,500 fans per game. Located in Toronto’s Exhibition Place, Coca-Cola Coliseum is also home to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies and will also host Toronto’s WNBA expansion franchise beginning in 2026 .

Related: PWHL Toronto Officially Announces Coca Cola Coliseum As Home Venue For 2024-2025 Season

Meanwhile, PWHL Montreal will call Place Bell as home for this upcoming season, following overwhelming fan support in its first year. Last season, the team made six appearances at the Laval complex, which also hosts the AHL’s Laval Rocket. Three of those games drew capacity crowds of 10,172, including the league’s longest playoff game, decided in triple overtime on May 11. The move to Place Bell will accommodate more fans as the franchise continues to grow in popularity.

Verdun Auditorium, though an older building, earned praise from fans for its electric, party-like atmosphere. A lively DJ and passionate crowd helped create an environment where every game felt like a celebration. The intimacy of the venue allowed fans to clearly see the players on the ice from nearly every angle, adding to its charm. However, it did have its drawbacks. The seating was outdated, with bench-style seats that left fans sitting close together, and the steep stairs were a challenge for some. Despite its proximity to downtown Montreal, Verdun couldn’t quite compete with the modern amenities and size of Place Bell.

Still, Verdun Auditorium had historical significance and an intimate vibe that many fans cherished. It became known for its close-knit, festive environment, and as TSN’s Kenzie Lalonde affectionately called it, “Club Verdun.” It may not have been the long-term solution for the franchise, but it provided a fantastic launching point and a nostalgic experience that many will miss.

Related: PWHL Montreal Announced Place Bell As Home Venue For 2024-2025 Season

Toronto's inaugural season took place entirely at Mattamy Athletic Centre, formerly the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens, now part of Toronto Metropolitan University. With limited capacity, tickets sold out immediately, and the high demand led to a bustling resale market, making it difficult for fans without early access to attend games. While that posed challenges, the intimate setting of the arena offered a uniquely rewarding experience for those lucky enough to secure a seat.

The cozy atmosphere meant fans were close to the action, able to hear every sound from the ice and fully immerse themselves in the game. Chants of "LET’S GO T-O!" rang out loudly each game, and the central location of the venue made it easily accessible by subway and public transportation. Fans often had the chance to meet players as they entered and exited through the same doors, fostering a community feel. Though the venue was clearly too small for a team as popular as Toronto, it added to the charm, with sections of fans (such as "EMMA NATION" supporting Emma Maltais), creating passionate pockets of support throughout the arena.

Both Mattamy Athletic Centre and Verdun Auditorium will forever be part of PWHL history, just like the original simplistic team names, basic jerseys, and logo-less identities. Fans from the first season will always have the memories of these intimate, special venues—experiences that may never be duplicated in the future.

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