Brendan Shanahan is returning to the professional hockey scene to pursue his passion once again. Kilmer Sports Ventures has appointed Shanahan as the new strategic advisor for the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Kilmer, owned by Larry Tanenbaum, who was Shanahan’s former colleague at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, where Shanahan served as president and alternate governor for the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs for 11 years.
Kilmer recently became a strategic capital partner in the PWHL, expanding its sports portfolio, which includes the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo. Shanahan expressed his excitement to collaborate with Tanenbaum and reconnect with PWHL executive vice president Jayna Hefford, with whom he had a prior association during her leadership with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association.
Shanahan emphasized his commitment to women’s sports and hockey, stating that supporting these initiatives aligns with his passion for the sport. Kilmer stands as the first and sole Canadian investor in the PWHL since its inception in 2023. The league has grown from six to twelve teams, with four new additions for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
Larry Tanenbaum, commenting on Shanahan’s involvement, praised Shanahan’s dedication to hockey and his support for advancing women’s sports organizations. Shanahan, a three-time Stanley Cup winner with an extensive NHL career, including international success with Team Canada, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.
Following his retirement as a player in 2009, Shanahan transitioned to a successful career in sports administration, holding key roles within the NHL. While Shanahan will not oversee the PWHL’s daily operations, he remains committed to consulting with the NHL and engaging in various hockey-related projects.
Shanahan’s decision to join forces with Kilmer and support women’s hockey reflects his ongoing dedication to the sport and his eagerness to contribute to its growth.