PWHL New York secured its first franchise win with a 4-0 finish against PWHL Toronto.
New York dominated the game at both ends of the ice. They scored four goals on 28 shots. They came out with all cylinders firing. Those “first game jitters” were invisible by the time that final buzzer went off.
Defender Ella Shelton scored the first goal in PWHL history. Shelton scored right off the faceoff with a little help from Alex Carpenter.
Ella Shelton! History made! First goal in PWHL history beats Campbell through a screen. pic.twitter.com/9RgBP1qeI9
— Mike Murphy (@DigDeepBSB) January 1, 2024
Whoever said “women’s hockey is not physical” lied. Both teams were not afraid to throw their bodies around. According to the CBC broadcast, players told upper management that they wanted the game to be more physical.
But we were told women’s hockey isn’t physical. 🤭
Catch the 3rd period between Toronto and New York live on Sportsnet One or stream on Sportsnet+ pic.twitter.com/e5BS2yV3DD
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 1, 2024
Toronto dominated the second period. They outshot New York 16-4 but were unable to score. Natalie Spooner and Emma Maltais’ physicality did not go unnoticed.
New York woke right back up after the second frame, coming alive in the third period by posting three goals in a matter of minutes.
Carpenter made it 2-0 with a snipe over Kristen Campbell’s shoulder.
NY GOAL
Alex Carpenter with the snipe on Campbell to make it 2-0. pic.twitter.com/3NpSsCcGNE— The Ice Garden (@TheIceGarden) January 1, 2024
Two minutes later, Jillian Saulnier wasted no time finishing on that pass from Jade Downie-Landry.
What a feed by Jade Downie-Landry to Jillian Saulnier. Magic stuff and New York is up 3-0. pic.twitter.com/CLfGDe6fl2
— Mike Murphy (@DigDeepBSB) January 1, 2024
Kayla Vespa scored the third goal in five minutes to complete the 4-0 lead. Vespa took complete advantage of Campbell not having her stick and secured fourth and final goal.
Chloe Aurard ( 0,2) and Alex Carpenter ( 1,1) both had multi-point performances.
ANOTHER ONE
Vespa makes it 4-0 while Campbell doesn’t have her stick. pic.twitter.com/hinJfqJ1L6— The Ice Garden (@TheIceGarden) January 1, 2024
Goaltender Corinne Schroeder earned her first shutout of the season. Schroeder saved 29 shots. She picked up right where she left off last PHF season. She did whatever it took to earn a save. Schroeder threw her body over the puck whenever needed and made just about every save look effortless.
The biggest difference between the two teams was comfortability. New York played a loose game and they weren’t afraid of taking risks. It looked as if New York was out there knowing it was okay to have fun.
The two teams face each other again for their next game, New York’s home opener, on Jan. 5.