The Toronto Sceptres have historically struggled with season openers, but they flipped the script in a dramatic fashion to kick off their third Professional Women's Hockey League campaign. Overcoming early nerves, the team secured a hard-earned 2-1 victory over the two-time defending champion Minnesota Frost on their opponent's banner-raising night.
The win was anchored by a phenomenal performance in net from Raygan Kirk, who turned aside 30 of 31 shots and made a critical save on a penalty shot that shifted the game's momentum.
Kirk Claims the Crease with Authority
Head coach Troy Ryan faced a significant decision for the season opener: start the returning hometown talent, Raygan Kirk, who was coming back from injury, or the new free-agent acquisition from Montreal. The coaching staff placed their trust in Kirk, and she delivered an exceptional performance that solidified her case for the number-one goaltender role.
With the Sceptres looking shaky in the first period, it was Kirk who kept the game within reach. Her most pivotal moment came when she stopped a penalty shot from Minnesota's Kelly Pannek midway through the opening frame. That save seemed to galvanize the Toronto squad, who found their footing and began to play with more confidence. The only goal that beat her was a tipped puck by Kendall Coyne Schofield that she had no chance on.
New Faces and Key Absences Shape the Game
The Sceptres were dealt a significant blow just before puck drop when it was revealed that reigning defender of the year Renata Fast was sidelined with an undisclosed upper-body injury. Her absence on the blue line was deeply felt, given her role in setting the team's physical tone and her extensive ice time.
However, the offseason acquisition of defender Ella Shelton proved its immense value. Shelton, who was obtained in a draft-night trade, made her presence known immediately. She not only scored the game-tying goal in the first period but was also a physical force and a steadying influence on defense throughout the game. Her performance highlighted the team's improved depth compared to previous seasons.
Spooner's Return to Form and Quick Hits
After a season hampered by a torn ACL, Natalie Spooner showed signs of returning to her MVP-caliber form from the league's inaugural season. With a full offseason dedicated to training rather than rehabilitation, Spooner's explosiveness was evident. She was instrumental in both Toronto goals, earning the primary assist on Shelton's marker and a secondary assist on the game-winner.
Rookie Kiara Zanon, a second-round pick from the previous draft, scored the game-winning goal, which was her third goal in three games counting preseason action. In a scary moment, leading scorer Daryl Watts needed help off the ice after a hard hit but later returned to the game. The victory marks a confident start for a Sceptres team with high expectations for the 2025-26 season.
