PWHL establishes Eastern and Western conferences, expands to eight-team playoffs

TORONTO — The Professional Women’s Hockey League is establishing Eastern and Western conferences this season and increasing the number of playoff teams from four to eight.

The 12-team league — which will have four expansion clubs on the ice this season — will begin play Dec. 5 and continue through April 18.

The PWHL says Eastern Conference teams will include the Boston Fleet, PWHL Hamilton, the Montreal Victoire, the New York Sirens, the Ottawa Charge and the Toronto Sceptres.

Western Conference clubs include PWHL Detroit, PWHL Las Vegas, the Minnesota Frost, PWHL San Jose, the Seattle Torrent and the Vancouver Goldeneyes.