Rookie Kiara Zanon netted the decisive goal in the third period, propelling the Toronto Sceptres to a 2-1 victory over the reigning champions, the Minnesota Frost, in the Professional Women’s Hockey League season opener. Minnesota’s Kendall Coyne Schofield kickstarted the game with a goal assisted by Kelly Pannek and Britta Curl-Salemme. Ella Shelton equalized for the Sceptres late in the first period, with assists from Natalie Spooner and Savannah Harmon. The game remained deadlocked until Zanon’s goal 5:14 into the final period, supported by Spooner and Emma Maltais.
Toronto’s goalkeeper, Raygan Kirk, made crucial saves against Dominique Petrie and Sidney Morin in the last 32 seconds to secure the win, tallying 19 saves overall. On the opposing side, Maddie Rooney made 31 saves for Minnesota.
Notably, Minnesota started the season without two key defenders, Claire Thompson and Sophie Jaques, who now play for the Vancouver Goldeneyes. The expansion team, Vancouver, faced the Seattle Torrent at a sold-out Pacific Coliseum to close out the opening night of the eight-team league.
Looking ahead, the Frost will face the Torrent next, while the Sceptres will host the Boston Fleet on November 29, with live coverage on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem. Viewers can check CBC Sports’ PWHL streaming schedule for more details on upcoming games.