The Vancouver Goldeneyes faced an uphill battle in their inaugural franchise game. Despite the Seattle Torrent taking the lead multiple times in front of a boisterous crowd of nearly 15,000 at the Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver responded each time.
In the final minutes of regulation, the game seemed destined for a Seattle victory, but Vancouver’s alternate captain, Claire Thompson, scored to force overtime. Ultimately, the Goldeneyes emerged victorious in overtime, defeating Seattle 4-3 in a thrilling match that marked the beginning of a fierce west coast rivalry.
It was forward Abby Boreen who sealed the win in overtime with a goal assisted by Tereza Vanišová, just under two minutes into the extra period. Boreen commended her team’s resilience, stating, “To come back from being down practically the whole game, I think it shows a lot of character in the room.”
Seattle’s Julia Gosling netted two goals in the game, including the franchise’s first goal in the first period. Vancouver made history three minutes later when Sarah Nurse capitalized on a turnover to score the Goldeneyes’ first-ever goal.
The atmosphere at the Coliseum was electric, with a sold-out crowd witnessing a new era in women’s hockey. Vancouver goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer made 18 crucial saves in her first regular-season game after recovering from an injury, solidifying the team’s victory.
Head coach Brian Idalski praised his team’s performance, emphasizing their talent and potential to excel further. The night marked a significant milestone for women’s hockey in Vancouver, with the team setting a new PWHL attendance record and unveiling various enhancements at the Coliseum tailored for the Goldeneyes.
Reflecting on the past and present, the game was a culmination of years of effort and progress in women’s hockey. Players from past teams were honored at the event, highlighting the rich history of the sport in Vancouver. The event showcased the growth and evolution of women’s hockey, with the Goldeneyes leading the charge in a new era of the game.
The PWHL’s expansion teams in Vancouver and Seattle have brought new energy and excitement to the league, with fans eagerly embracing the teams and their merchandise. The atmosphere at the Coliseum was one of joy and celebration, symbolizing a bright future for women’s hockey in the region.