The Vancouver Goldeneyes are making history in their debut Professional Women's Hockey League season, and their latest performance at home was a testament to their growing strength. On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the team delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over the visiting New York Sirens at Pacific Coliseum, a win built on milestone moments and energized by a passionate home crowd.
Historic Firsts for the Franchise
The game was defined by significant franchise firsts. Forward Jenn Gardiner, a Surrey, B.C. native, scored her inaugural goal as a Goldeneye, and it was a dramatic short-handed effort. Between the pipes, goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer was impenetrable, stopping all 28 shots she faced to record the very first shutout in Vancouver PWHL history.
"It's pretty special. There's a lot of people here so to get on the scoresheet feels good," Gardiner said after the game. The victory improved the Goldeneyes' record to a perfect 2-0 on home ice this season, providing a crucial boost after the team endured three consecutive losses on the road.
A Homecoming for B.C. Talent
The match held extra significance for the numerous players with British Columbia roots on both rosters. For the Goldeneyes, the chance to play professional women's hockey in front of a home province audience is a dream realized. The team boasts five B.C. players: Gardiner, Katie Chan of Richmond, Hannah Miller and Nina Jobst-Smith of North Vancouver, and Kimberly Newell of Burnaby.
The connection wasn't lost on the opposition, either. New York Sirens captain Micah Zandee-Hart from Victoria and forward Anne Cherkowski from Coldstream also appreciated the homecoming atmosphere. "We've always known that women's hockey has just continued to grow in this province," Zandee-Hart noted, highlighting the significance of Vancouver securing its own PWHL franchise.
Feeding Off the Crowd's Energy
Head coach Brian Idalski emphasized the pivotal role the 9,502 fans in attendance played in the team's resurgent performance. "The ability of us to feed off (the crowd), and what it means to have that kind of support, it's special already," Idalski stated. He stressed the team's commitment to rewarding that support with a high-quality product on the ice.
Goalie Emerance Maschmeyer echoed the sentiment, recognizing the profound impact the players have on young fans, especially on a "Kids Takeover Day" at the arena. "We inspire them, but honestly they inspire us," Maschmeyer said, acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between the new team and its community.
The strong showing follows an equally impressive home opener on November 21, where nearly 15,000 spectators watched the Goldeneyes edge the Seattle Torrent 4-3 in overtime. With a perfect home record and a growing fanbase, the Vancouver Goldeneyes are firmly establishing their foundation in the PWHL and inspiring a new generation of hockey fans across British Columbia.
