The Toronto Sceptres left Hamilton with a single point on Saturday, but the mood in the locker room was far from celebratory. In a recurring theme this season, the team fell in a shootout, dropping a 3-2 decision to the Seattle Torrent on January 3, 2026, at the renovated TD Coliseum.
Familiar Flaws Lead to Another Frustrating Finish
The game followed a distressingly familiar script for the Sceptres. A slow start forced them to play from behind, they struggled on faceoffs, and their power play failed to convert on its lone opportunity. Despite holding a lead late, a lack of urgency in the final five minutes allowed Seattle's star forward Alex Carpenter to net the game-tying goal, sending the contest to overtime and eventually a shootout.
In the skills competition, Seattle's Hannah Bilka and Anna Wilgren found the mark, while Torrent goaltender Corinne Schroeder stood tall, stopping all four Toronto attempts to secure the victory. For the Sceptres, it marked their third loss of the season decided in either overtime or a shootout.
Coach Ryan Questions Team's Buy-In After Loss
The pattern of squandered opportunities has prompted serious introspection from head coach Troy Ryan. In post-game comments, he openly questioned whether the current system has the full commitment of the roster, suggesting a potential crossroads for the team.
"We have to commit to doing the things that makes us successful," Ryan stated. "If we are not going to commit... then we have to re-imagine. What are the things that this group will commit to because ultimately that is what makes teams successful."
Over the past month dating back to December 4, the Sceptres have secured only 12 of a possible 24 points (3 wins, 2 shootout losses, 1 overtime loss, 2 regulation losses), a record undermined by several games where they relinquished control late.
Hamilton Makes Its Case for PWHL Expansion
The game served as a showcase for Hamilton as a potential expansion city for the growing Professional Women's Hockey League. An announced crowd of just over 16,000 fans packed the $300-million renovated arena, providing an enticing market signal to league officials looking to add two to four teams by next season.
Hamilton's key advantage is the potential to be a primary tenant in its arena, a status currently shared only by the Vancouver team. However, this could be jeopardized if the city successfully lures an American Hockey League franchise. Players noted the new ice surface was a bit bouncy but expected conditions to improve. The crowd, while pro-Toronto, included strong supporter sections for Seattle players with Ontario roots like Lexie Adzija and Julia Gosling.
Other Game Notes and Roster Impact
The goaltenders were a highlight, with Seattle's Corinne Schroeder making 37 saves on 39 shots and Toronto's Raygan Kirk answering with several key stops on high-quality chances. Schroeder was especially sharp against Sceptres forward Jesse Compher, denying her on two breakaway opportunities.
On the injury front, the Sceptres will be without defender Allie Munroe for an extended period. She was placed on Long Term Injured Reserve with a high ankle sprain suffered on December 23. Rookie Hanna Baskin, a sixth-round draft pick, has been recalled to fill the roster spot. The team hopes Munroe can return before the Olympic break, but that timeline is not guaranteed.
The 3-2 shootout loss leaves the Sceptres searching for answers as they look to turn promising performances into decisive victories and climb the PWHL standings.
