For Canada's hockey fans, 2024 marked a groundbreaking moment in sports history: the launch of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL).
It was the season of firsts, with six founding teams captivating thousands of fans and smashing attendance records for women’s hockey, and it all culminated in the Minnesota Frost clinching the inaugural Walter Cup.
To celebrate this historic milestone, Royale, an official partner of the PWHL, commissioned renowned Canadian artist Briony Douglas to create The Inaugural Six — a masterpiece that intertwines sustainability, creativity and the spirit of the women’s game.
Not just a sculpture, The Inaugural Six is a celebration of grit, passion, and perseverance these players pour into every game.
Toronto Sceptres' Emma Maltais in front of "The Inaugural Six" by Briony Douglas. Courtesy of Royale
To create The Inaugural Six, Douglas was given the very hockey sticks used during the PWHL’s first season. Standing over four feet tall and six feet wide, the sculpture takes the form of a monumental hockey helmet. It’s a striking testament to the unity, strength, and grit that define these athletes.
Hockey sticks from all six PWHL teams — Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa and Toronto — are intricately woven into the artwork, capturing the spirit of players who broke barriers and set a new standard for women’s hockey.
Toronto Sceptres' Sarah Nurse points out her hockey stick in "The Inaugural Six" by Briony Douglas.Courtesy of Royale
"Each stick tells a story — of the goals scored, the battles fought on and off the ice, and the passion these athletes pour into every game," said Douglas. "The Inaugural Six is about more than hockey; it’s about breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations."
The Inaugural Six encapsulates the energy and passion of the league’s inaugural players while symbolizing a bright future for women’s professional hockey.
As a proudly Canadian brand, this project aligns with Royale's ongoing commitment to supporting initiatives that inspire communities across Canada and its dedication to increasing the visibility of women’s professional hockey.
From November 25 to 28, The Inaugural Six will be on display at the CF Toronto Eaton Centre. Visitors are encouraged to explore the installation, snap photos, and share the experience using #TheInauguralSix.
"The Inaugural Six" by Briony Douglas at CF Toronto Eaton Centre.Courtesy of Royale
The second season of the PWHL kicks off on November 30 with Boston Fleet taking on the Toronto Sceptres and Montréal Victoire versus Ottawa Charge. Then, Minnesota Frost and New York Sirens go head-to-head the very next day.
With three Canadian teams competing, who will you be cheering for?
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