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The atmosphere was electric at the Pacific Coliseum on Friday night as the Vancouver Goldeneyes faced the Seattle Torrent in their inaugural game. With a packed house of 14,958 fans, this matchup marked the debut of both teams in the newly established Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). The excitement was palpable as the Goldeneyes aimed to secure their first win in franchise history.
In a gripping contest, the Goldeneyes rallied from a challenging position to secure a 4-3 victory in overtime. Abby Boreen emerged as the heroine, scoring the decisive goal just 1:26 into the extra period, delighting the home crowd and etching her name in the franchise’s history.
Game highlights and key performances
The game unfolded with the Seattle Torrent initially taking control. Julia Gosling netted two goals in the opening frame, including the franchise’s first-ever score. However, the Goldeneyes quickly responded. Sarah Nurse demonstrated skill and composure by scoring shortly after Gosling’s second goal, marking the first tally in Goldeneyes history. Gabby Rosenthal added another goal early in the third period, showcasing the team’s resilience.
Turning points in the match
Despite a strong start, Vancouver found themselves trailing for much of the game. They struggled to capitalize on early scoring opportunities, failing to convert on three power plays. As the game neared its conclusion, the Goldeneyes demonstrated remarkable tenacity. Claire Thompson, a key player for the team, equalized with just over two minutes left in regulation, forcing the game into overtime.
The overtime victory
The thrilling overtime period began with both teams vying for a decisive edge. Tereza Vanišová delivered a stunning pass across the slot to Boreen, who finished the play, sealing the win for Vancouver and marking a significant milestone for the franchise.
Vancouver goalie Emerance Maschmeyer played a crucial role in the victory, stopping 24 of the 27 shots she faced. Her performance was critical, especially after a series of setbacks in previous seasons. Meanwhile, Seattle’s Corinne Schroeder made 23 saves, keeping her team competitive in a tense match.
Statements from players and coaches
After the game, Boreen reflected on the team’s journey, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure throughout the match. She stated, “The message from our coaching staff was clear: don’t panic, just keep pushing forward.” Her determination and skill were pivotal in securing the win.
Sarah Nurse expressed her excitement about the historic night, saying, “Walking into the Pacific Coliseum, you feel a sense of pride representing the Goldeneyes. The fans have truly embraced us, and it’s special to share this moment with them.”
Looking ahead
With their first victory secured, the Goldeneyes now turn their attention to the future. They will embark on a four-game road trip, starting with a match against the Charge in Ottawa. Meanwhile, the Torrent will host the Minnesota Frost for their home opener, looking to bounce back from this narrow defeat.
This inaugural game showcased the potential of both teams and highlighted the growing popularity of women’s hockey. The sold-out crowd at Pacific Coliseum, the largest ever for a team’s home arena in PWHL history, is a testament to the excitement surrounding the league.
In a gripping contest, the Goldeneyes rallied from a challenging position to secure a 4-3 victory in overtime. Abby Boreen emerged as the heroine, scoring the decisive goal just 1:26 into the extra period, delighting the home crowd and etching her name in the franchise’s history.0