The PWHL unveiled the nicknames of its four newest expansion teams – Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose – ahead of the 2026-27 seasons on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Detroit will be called the Clutch, bringing together the city's automotive history with the many moments in sports where its teams have delivered. The Clutch have a circular logo with references to a wheel and automotive clutch.
Hamilton will be called the Havoc, inspired by the forces of industry and nature in Hamilton, with steel mills rising alongside the Niagara Escarpment. The Havoc logo is anchored by the peregrine falcon, reimagined in steel with molten eyes.
San Jose will be called the Sea Lions, which guard the Bay Area coastline. The logo’s center features a sea lion with modern
typography and a setting sun visual. The primary color palette is coastal blue, sunset orange, tidal navy and sea mist.
Las Vegas will be caller the Vanguards, celebrating leaders who embrace challenges and create opportunities. The logo features the kit fox, a Mojave Desert-native that thrives in the face of adversity.
Officially official!
— PWHL (@thepwhlofficial) November 10, 2026
Introducing the Detroit Clutch, Hamilton Havoc, San Jose Sea Lions, and the Vegas Vanguards. pic.twitter.com/0drA6TpzpF
“We approached this process with great care, creating team names and logos that reflect the character and pride of each community, while staying connected to the PWHL," Amy Scheer, PWHL executive vice president of business operations, said. "As we’ve seen with our first eight teams, these brands will take on even greater meaning as they are embraced and shaped by our fans and players, ultimately becoming a source of pride and a rallying cry for the communities they represent.”
Team merchandise featuring the logos is available at the PWHL Online Shop. The PWHL will open its fourth season Dec. 5-6.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: PWHL unveils nicknames for four expansion teams, including the Detroit Clutch
