Michael’s Musings: PWHL & More

Michael Lindenbaum of TXHT Hockey does a weekly Hockey Hot Stove musings column on major topics around both the NHL and PWHL.Michael’s Musings is brought to you by Rude Hockey. Rude Hockey celebrates chirps, old-school toughness, a Philly attitude and saying out loud what everyone else is thinking. Because if you lose your edge, you lose the game. Visit RudeHockey.com today for your official Rude Hockey merchandise.

Musings on PWHL Rule Changes

On Thursday, the PWHL announced a few new rule changes going into the 2026-27 season. The PWHL announced Rule 9.10 Neck Protector which will force all players and goaltenders to wear cut-resistant protection in the neck area. The neck protection will be required to be worn during all games, including during pregame warmups.

The PWHL also created clarifications to rules regarding Body Checking and High Sticking the Puck.

The biggest bit of news to come out of the rules that were announced is the testing of a new overtime rule that will be exclusive to the preseason at this time and that is when a minor penalty is assessed during overtime, the non-offending team will be allowed the option to take a penalty shot instead of a having a powerplay opportunity.

If a team chose to go with a powerplay, it would still continue to be a 4-on-3 player advantage for the non-offending team, which would remain consistent with standard league rules. If the non-offending team does choose to go with the penalty shot option, any eligible player in the lineup can take the shot.

I’m genuinely curious to see how this plays out and what the feedback is like, especially since the preseason is generally closed to the public and not televised.

New PWHL Names and Identities

On Tuesday in the PWHL, the four expansion teams revealed their new names and identities. The new team names will go as follows, with PWHL PR Press Release notes:

PWHL Detroit are now the Detroit Clutch.

“Clutch brings together Detroit’s rich legacy of automotive innovation and the defining moments in sports when teams deliver under pressure. Together, the name reflects a city built by people who set ideas into motion, and a team who embraces the relentless pursuit of progress. The circular logo references a wheel and automotive clutch, with the wordmark in chrome, Art Deco-inspired typography. Rhythmic vinyl lines sit within the wheel, a nod to Motown’s enduring influence. The team’s primary color palette of motor black, clutch chrome, hot white, and racing red reflect the performance precision and resilient grit of Detroit.”

PWHL Hamilton are now the Hamilton Havoc.

“Havoc is inspired by the unique balance between the forces of industry and nature in Hamilton, as steel mills rise alongside the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment. Shaped by generations of creators, builders, and makers, disruption has always made way for change, adaptation, and reinvention, and this team will be tested and forged in the same spirit. The Havoc logo is anchored by Hamilton’s official bird, the peregrine falcon, reimagined in steel with molten eyes, alongside bold, steel-forged lettering, projecting strength, durability, and unyielding resolve. The primary color palette of rusted metal, molten steel, falcon ivory, and flame orange speak to a city where nature and industry exist side by side.”

PWHL San Jose are now the San Jose Sea Lions.

“Sea Lions are proud guardians of the rugged Bay Area coastline, deeply connected to Pacific waters and the communities that define the region. Known for their intelligence, playful expression, agility, and fierce protection of their colonies, the Sea Lion emblem at the logo’s center evokes that same energy. The modern typography, setting sun visual, and primary color palette of coastal blue, sunset orange, tidal navy, and sea mist, are reflective of California’s coastline. The team’s name also has a special connection to the region’s sports history through the San Francisco Sea Lions of the West Coast Negro Baseball Association, who played in 1946 and featured pioneer Toni Stone, the first woman to play baseball regularly in a major men’s professional league.”

PWHL Las Vegas are now the Vegas Vanguards.

“The name Vanguards celebrates those who lead the way, embracing challenges and creating new opportunities. Inspired by the pioneering spirit that helped shape the West, the name represents courage, determination, and a willingness to forge new paths. The logo features the kit fox, an adaptable and resilient Mojave Desert-native that perseveres and thrives in the face of adversity. Above the fox, Las Vegas’ iconic star is positioned between a ‘V’ silhouette. The typography is inspired by the American frontier, while the primary color palette of cactus green, fox ivory, desert gold, and midnight navy speaks to the spirit and beauty of Las Vegas’ desert home.”

My initial reaction is that Detroit is the ultimate loser in all of this. Both their name and logo are not very exciting and feels too generic for a professional hockey team.

I really like the Vegas Vanguards and their logo. They took a color scheme that was originally questionable, and turned it into something that really turned out well. Also, the fox in the logo reminds me of the one used in the Metal Gear Solid video game franchise too.

I think the Hamilton Havoc is a really great name with possibly the best logo of the group. It really vibes for me in every way possible and I really enjoy it.

Lastly, I feel conflicted with San Jose. The Sea Lions is not a bad name, but it feels a bit wordy, and I think that hurts it a bit. They have a solid logo that they can do multiple things with. I need more time with San Jose to see how I feel as time goes on.

Hellebuyck Musings… Again

So… Connor Hellebuyck didn’t play in Winnipeg like we were all expecting and hoping for on Tuesday night. What should have been the final closure for Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets faithful came to a crashing halt on Sunday night when New Jersey Devils general manager announced that Hellebuyck would not be starting due to “analytical reasons.”

Granted, the Devils have a home-and-home with the Washington Capitals, and those games are regarded a higher priority, but that still doesn’t excuse this. The moment Hellebuyck was traded to the Devils, everyone had this game circled on their calendar.

Now we’ll need to wait even longer to see Hellebuyck “face the music.”