Boston Fleet sell out TD Garden for game against Montreal Victoire

Fans pack the arena to cheer on the local women's hockey team in a rivalry matchup.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:06pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Boston Fleet played before a sold-out crowd of nearly 18,000 fans at TD Garden on Saturday, one of the highest attended games in the history of the Professional Women's Hockey League. Fans were thrilled to see the Fleet take on their rivals, the Montreal Victoire, in the high-stakes matchup, though the visiting team came away with a 1-0 victory.

Why it matters

The packed house at TD Garden demonstrates the growing popularity and demand for women's professional sports, especially hockey. The Fleet normally play at a smaller arena, so this sold-out game at one of Boston's premier sports venues is a significant milestone for the team and the league.

The details

The Boston Fleet, who normally play their home games at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, drew nearly 18,000 fans to the sold-out game at TD Garden against their rivals, the Montreal Victoire. This was one of the highest attended games in the history of the Professional Women's Hockey League. Despite the 1-0 loss to Montreal, the fans were excited to see their team play in the larger, more prestigious arena.

  • The game took place on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • The PWHL attendance record was set in Montreal in 2024 with 21,105 fans.

The players

Boston Fleet

The Boston-based professional women's hockey team that plays in the Professional Women's Hockey League.

Montreal Victoire

The Montreal-based professional women's hockey team that is a rival of the Boston Fleet in the Professional Women's Hockey League.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're so excited. Season ticket holders and so glad we finally have a game at the Garden.”

— Patty Giggie, Boston Fleet fan

“To quote those t-shirts that everyone is and should be wearing, 'Everyone watches women's sports.' It is what it says. It says everyone watches them. If you put it here, they will come.”

— Cayla Keenan, Boston Fleet fan

What’s next

The Boston Fleet and Montreal Victoire will likely face off again in the future, as they are currently fighting for the top seed in the Professional Women's Hockey League.

The takeaway

The sold-out crowd at TD Garden for the Boston Fleet game demonstrates the growing popularity and demand for women's professional sports, especially hockey. This milestone event shows that these teams can draw large audiences to major arenas, inspiring more fans to support women's athletics.