Canadian Women’s Hockey League is shutting down operations

The Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) has decided to cease operations as of May 1.

A press release from the CWHL announced that the Board of Directors made the decision to discontinue operations due to an “economically unsustainable” business model.

Despite attempts to establish “an adequate revenue base, good governance, and high-quality hockey,” interim commissioner Jayna Hefford and the new board inducted in 2018 believe the league’s business model cannot continue.

“Unfortunately the business model that has been the foundation of the League is not sustainable financially,” the CWHL said in a press release.

How our weekends look without CWHL hockey pic.twitter.com/acKnvGND8X

— CWHL (@TheCWHL) March 30, 2019

“We thank our fans for cheering on their favourite player and favourite teams, our sponsors for helping fund the growth of women’s hockey, and our partnerships with the NHLPA, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Calgary Flames.”

The CWHL was founded in 2007 to develop women’s hockey and has since become a premier, professionally-run hockey league.

Your 2019 Clarkson Cup Champions!!! pic.twitter.com/5fXKfQhLDH

— CWHL (@TheCWHL) March 24, 2019

On March 24, CWHL drew in 175,000 fans to watch the 12th annual, and seemingly last ever, Clarkson Cup which boasted a record high viewership.