PWHL looks to build in 2nd season

Nothing will replace the special moments and many firsts — first game, first road trip, first win — Hilary Knight enjoyed during the PWHL’s inaugural season. At 35, one of USA Hockey’s most accomplished female players remains awed by the leap the league made in being established in late June 2023, launching six months later and catching the wave of women’s sports growth in North America. “I think it’s just the perfect timing to be able to be a woman in pro sports and be a part of the piece that continues to move the sport forward,” Knight, pictured, said. “We’re part of the conversation now.” Welcome to PWHL Season 2, which opens Saturday and features all six teams in action this weekend. There will be more games — 30 per team, up from 24 last year. There will be more talent, with an influx of both college graduates and European veterans. Each team has a logo and nickname after going without last year. And there’s already talk of expansion, with the privately financed and centrally controlled PWHL looking to add up to two franchises by next year.

Love, Reed help lead Packers to win

Jordan Love celebrated the Packers’ victory on Thanksgiving by taking a bite out of a turkey leg and raising it in the air. His feast was a long time coming. Love led the Packers to a Thanksgiving Day triumph in Detroit last year but wasn’t given a turkey leg afterward, as is customary in these televised postgame interviews. His teammates vowed to make sure Love got a turkey leg this time, and he earned it by throwing two touchdown passes to Jayden Reed in a 30-17 win over the Dolphins on Thursday night. “To be able to come in here, get the win, get the turkey leg after, it was very delicious,” said Love, who went 21 of 28 for 274 yards. “Just a little something to celebrate.” Josh Jacobs brought a turkey platter into the locker room as the Packers (9-3) commemorated a third straight win. The Packers, who have won seven of their last eight games, built a 27-3 lead and made a goal-line stand to thwart a comeback attempt. The Dolphins (5-7) continued their recent history of struggling in cold weather. The kickoff temperature at Lambeau Field was 27 degrees with 10 mph winds.

Aces’ Plum won’t play in new league

Aces standout Kelsey Plum won’t play in the new, 3-on-3 women’s league, Unrivaled, saying she wants to take more time for herself in the offseason. Plum posted her decision on social media this week. The Unrivaled league, co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, will start its season Jan. 17 and play into March with all games being held in Miami. Plum was named to the roster of the Laces, one of the league’s six teams. Those expected to play for the team are Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams of the Lynx, Alyssa Thomas of the Sun and Stephanie Dolson of the Mystics. Plum thanked the league for its understanding of her choice. “I wish the league and all of the players nothing but the best and I’m excited to watch!” Plum said her post. WNBA rookie of the year Caitlin Clark of Indiana decided not to take part in the league. Plum, 30, played in 44 WNBA games this season, counting playoffs, and was a member of Team USA, which won a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Paris this past summer. Plum earned her third straight selection to the WNBA all-star game. —Associated Press