WHEELING, W.Va. — For the first time ever, Wheeling will host a weekend of elite women’s ice hockey.
Former Olympians, NCAA Division I and III standouts, European professionals and national-champion club players will all take the ice in Wheeling for an unforgettable weekend celebrating the rise of local women’s hockey.
Game Schedule — Tri-State Thunder Host Weekend
Saturday, November 15
12:30 p.m. — Cleveland Sturgeon vs. Columbus Capitals @ WesBanco Arena
4:10 p.m. — Tri-State Thunder vs. Columbus Capitals @ Wheeling Park Ice Rink
5:40 p.m. — Cleveland Sturgeon vs. Dayton Fangs @ Wheeling Park Ice Rink
Sunday, November 16
8:05 a.m. — Dayton Fangs vs. Columbus Capitals @ WesBanco Arena
9:35 a.m. — Tri-State Thunder vs. Cleveland Sturgeon @ WesBanco Arena
11:05 a.m. — Tri-State Thunder vs. Dayton Fangs @ WesBanco Arena
Admission is free — fans of all ages are invited to experience the speed, skill, and excitement of elite women’s hockey right here in Wheeling.
Teams Competing
This historic showcase features powerhouse teams from across the Midwest and Ohio Valley, all members of the Pennsylvania–Ohio Women’s Hockey Association (POWHA):
- Tri-State Thunder (WV/OH/PA) — Host team
- Cleveland Sturgeon (Cleveland, OH)
- Dayton Fangs (Dayton, OH)
- Columbus Capitals (Columbus, OH)
Additional POWHA teams — including the Indy Speed, Louisville Fighting Fillies, St. Louis Frenzy, and Cincinnati Rising Stars — will compete in upcoming league events.
About the League
The Pennsylvania–Ohio Women’s Hockey Association (POWHA) is one of the fastest-growing women’s hockey leagues in the nation. It provides a platform for adult female athletes to continue competing at a high level while inspiring the next generation of girls in the sport.
From the first puck drop to the final horn, POWHA showcases are fast, physical, and full of passion — a testament to the skill and spirit of the women who play the game.
Tri-State Thunder: The Pride of the Valley
Representing West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, the Tri-State Thunder is the newest addition to POWHA — and they’re already making waves. After an undefeated debut in league play, the Thunder now bring the action home to Wheeling for the first time.
The roster features a dynamic mix of athletes — from collegiate and international competitors to club scoring leaders and regional all-stars — all united by one mission: to elevate women’s hockey in the Ohio Valley.
The team was founded by three local women active in the Ohio Valley Women’s Hockey Association, a program launched in 2020 by Rachel Adams to grow youth and girls’ hockey in the region. Five years later, that vision has come to life — and Wheeling has become a destination for elite-level women’s hockey.
