Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer may have already secured the highlight of the Professional Women's Hockey League season with a single, breathtaking save on Saturday night. Her heroic stop was the centerpiece of a 4-0 victory over the New York Sirens at the Pacific Coliseum, witnessed by an announced crowd of 9,502 fans.
The Save That Stunned the Coliseum
Midway through the first period, with Vancouver holding a narrow 1-0 lead, New York's elite forward Sarah Fillier found herself with a gaping net. Fillier, who tied for the league lead in points last season, had slipped behind the defense and received a pass at the side of the crease. A goal seemed inevitable.
In a flash, Maschmeyer lunged across, extending her stick to miraculously deflect the puck away. The incredible denial left CBC play-by-play announcer James Cybulski exclaiming, "what a save .. oh my goodness … Maschmeyer … can you believe it?" The 31-year-old netminder later described the play as instinctual. "I don't think I was thinking. I think my body just took over," Maschmeyer said. "Fillier does a good job of getting lost behind the net... I only caught a glimpse of her jersey and I knew I had to get something over there."
A Turning Point in the Game
Goldeneyes coach Brian Idalski immediately recognized the save's significance, especially as the team entered the game on a three-game road losing streak. "If that goes in, it’s an entirely different game," Idalski stated. "You kind of worried that there might be some panic with the way things had been going."
Instead of a tied game, the save galvanized Vancouver. Maschmeyer was perfect the rest of the way, finishing with 28 saves for the shutout. On offense, Abby Boreen led the charge with two goals, while Jenn Gardiner contributed a goal and an assist. The win improved Vancouver's record to 2-3-0 on the young season.
Strong Fan Support Amidst Competition
The attendance figure was particularly notable as the game competed directly with the Vancouver Whitecaps' MLS Cup final happening the same evening. The Coliseum crowd provided spirited energy throughout, breaking into multiple "Let's Go Goldeneyes" chants. This follows a strong opening night for the expansion franchise, which drew 14,958 fans to its inaugural game against Seattle on November 21.
The team did have to manage the contest without star forward Sarah Nurse, who missed her fourth straight game with an upper-body injury. Nurse, who scored the franchise's first-ever goal, was placed on long-term injury reserve on Friday. Idalski acknowledged her absence is felt deeply. "We miss that a lot more than I thought that we would... I’m excited for her to get healthy," he said.
The PWHL now enters a break for the Rivalry Series between Canadian and American national teams. The Goldeneyes return to action on December 16, when they host the Ottawa Charge back at the Pacific Coliseum.
