DETROIT (WWJ) -- Call them the Detroit Clutch: the PWHL has revealed the name and look for the city’s brand-new expansion franchise.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League officially revealed the name, logo, and colors on Tuesday for the local expansion franchise, which is set to hit the ice for the first time this winter for the 2026–27 season.
While the league awarded Detroit an expansion team back in May, today marks the first look at the brand behind the city’s newest club. The Clutch are one of four new teams joining the league this year alongside Hamilton, San Jose, and Las Vegas, expanding the PWHL to 12 clubs and bringing permanent women's pro hockey to Hockeytown.
The team's name and visual identity lean straight into local history, pairing automotive heritage with late-game athletic heroics. The circular crest references a car wheel and clutch plate, complete with vinyl-record grooves nodding to Motown and a color palette of motor black, clutch chrome, hot white, and racing red.
“I was blown away. The double meaning of the logo and brand is cool and going to be perfect for our team,” said Clutch forward Daryl Watts. “I already love the jersey; the metallic silver pops off and catches your eye. Overall, the brand represents the area really well and speaks to Motor City.”
League leadership noted that the team’s arrival is the direct payoff of Detroit fans consistently showing up for women’s hockey showcases in recent years.
“It was fan determination that brought a PWHL team to Detroit, showing up season after season for women’s pro hockey, and we worked to capture that spirit with the Detroit Clutch, an identity that has been a long time coming for Hockeytown,” said Amy Scheer, the PWHL’s Executive Vice President of Business Operations.
Merchandise featuring the new crest is available starting today online and at the Little Caesars Arena team store.
Detroit’s brand-new squad will play its first regular-season game on the road against the fellow expansion Vegas Vanguards on Sunday, Dec. 6. The Clutch then make their home debut at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Dec. 12 at noon against the New York Sirens.
Looking for some Clutch gear? Merchandise is now on sale at this link.
