The inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) had its first puck drop on New Year’s Day to a sold-out crowd at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto.
The league’s first game saw New York defeat Toronto by a score of 4-0. New York defender Ella Shelton scored the opening goal during the first period and from there, the team only went upward.
No points were scored during the game’s second period, but the third period saw Alex Carpenter score a second goal assisted by Paetyn Levis and Chloé Aurard. Finally, Jill Saulnier and Kayla Vespa added the final two goals for New York.
Meanwhile, under the spotlight in Toronto is goalie Kristen Campbell who stopped 24 shots, only slightly behind New York goaltender Corinne Schroeder who saved 29 shots.
Tennis icon and PWHL Advisory Board Member Billie Jean King performed the ceremonial puck drop with PWHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations and four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Jayna Hefford.
The PWHL was formed last summer on June 30 after it was revealed the Mark Walter Group and Billie Jean King Enterprises purchased “certain assets” of the now-defunct Premier Hockey Federation to create a single professional women’s hockey league.
Later in 2023, the PWHL announced its six teams which include Toronto, New York, Ottawa, Montreal, Minnesota and Boston and its 24-game regular season schedule from Jan. to early May.
The two teams are set to face off once again on Friday, Jan. 5 when New York hosts Toronto for their home opener at Total Mortgage Arena.
REACTION FROM HOCKEY FANS
Monday’s historic game had PWHL fans sharing their pride and appreciation for women’s hockey, as well as female athletes.
