The Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) announced the relocation of the Boston Blades hockey team to Worcester on Monday and will become the Worcester Blades for the 2018-19 season.

“This season brings about a lot of new changes. We have a new coach, a new GM, and even a new home,” Blades defense Kristina Brown said of the move. “The Blades have always been a team built around passion and a love for the game of hockey, and now we get to enter a new community that will be able to experience that culture. Worcester, being the second biggest city in Massachusetts, is growing, just like our program. They have a community that is excited about hockey, a community that supports its athletes, and a community in which we are beyond thrilled to become a part of. We are excited for what’s to come and to show Worcester what the Blades are about.”

The Blades first came to Boston in 2010 and were the first professional women’s hockey team to play in the state. The team has celebrated two Clarkson cup victories in 2013 and 2015 respectively and competed for the Cup in 2014 but lost to the Toronto Furies. Several great Olympians have played for Boston including Hilary Knight (2012-15), Meghan Duggan (2011-2015), Kacey Bellamy (2010-15) and Gigi Marvin (2012-13).

The Blades will play at the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center.

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The full press release announcing the move can be found here.