The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has signed a multi-year agreement with Intact Financial Corporation, a provider of property and casualty insurance in Canada, which will make the company a founding partner of the league.

As part of the agreement, Intact will be the official home and auto insurance partner of the PWHL in Canada and will support the league’s Canadian teams, including Montréal Victoire, Ottawa Charge and Toronto Sceptres. As the PWHL enters its second season, Intact will work with the league to expand access to games for disadvantaged youth and create more opportunities for girls to play hockey through support programs.

The partnership is consistent with Intact’s strategy, which has been focusing on sports-related associations that promote community diversity and inclusion. Since 2006, Intact has partnered with Speed Skating Canada to help develop skaters from the grassroots to the national team level, according to the company. It is also a long-term sponsor and naming partner of the Centre de glaces Intact Assurance, a home for speed skating in the Quebec City community. The centre offers sports programs for all ages and skill levels, including speed skating, field hockey, figure skating and racing.

“Intact’s support as a founding partner marks an important step in strengthening the foundation of the PWHL,” said Amy Scheer, PWHL SVP of business operations. “Their commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion aligns seamlessly with our mission to build a sustainable and thriving future for women’s hockey. This partnership will play a key role in continuing to provide opportunities for our athletes to excel.”

In its first season, the PWHL attracted several major sponsors, including Bauer, which became the league’s first official jersey partner; Air Canada, which was the premier partner for the inaugural season; and Rogers Communications, the league’s official telecommunications partner. The second season will begin on Nov. 30 and will end on May 3 next year.