Less than a month after the Professional Women's Hockey League launched in six cities, the Penguins are exploring bringing a team to Pittsburgh.
Penguins President of Business Operations Kevin Acklin tells KDKA Radio though nothing is official, conversations continue with PWHL executives.
"We have meetings this afternoon actually with the PWHL," he said. "They're in Pittsburgh today. They'll be at our game tonight."
He pointed to the reception of the PWHL in other cities. The inaugural game between Montreal and Minnesota drew over 13,000 fans.
In the meantime, Acklin says the Penguins have a dedicated team preparing for a PWHL expansion opportunity. Potential plans include expanding the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry and adding a permanent sheet of ice at the Penguins' Hunt Armory in Shadyside.
"We're investing in the infrastructure. We're having conversations with our partners, and most of all, we're talking to the girls on the ice," he said. "This is about equity. This is about advancing the game. We want girls who are playing hockey in Pittsburgh to see themselves in players on the ice."
The Penguins have worked to build a relationship with women's hockey over recent years, including hosting the U.S. and Canadian women's teams at a game last year.
Acklin says Penguins players returned the favor later that weekend when the U.S. and Canada played their own game in the Pittsburgh area.
"What I found most exciting about that was how many players on our team for the Penguins, including our captain Sidney Crosby interacted with the players, knew them personally. When they played on Sunday, Sid made sure that every Penguin was there watching that game."
Acklin said the Penguins will host a neutral site game between two PWHL teams in March. The two teams involved will be announced in the coming days.