The Toronto Sceptres put forth a gritty, physical effort but ultimately fell 2-1 in a shootout to the Montreal Victoire in Professional Women's Hockey League action on Wednesday night. The game, part of the PWHL's Takeover Tour, marked the league's debut in Halifax and drew a sellout crowd of 10,438 fans to Scotiabank Centre.
A Goaltending Duel Decides the Outcome
The story of the game was written in the crease. Montreal's Ann-Renee Desbiens was nearly impenetrable, turning aside 34 of the 35 shots the Sceptres directed her way. She capped her stellar performance by stopping all five Toronto attempts in the shootout. For the Sceptres, Raygan Kirk was equally formidable, making 29 saves through regulation and overtime. However, she was beaten just once in the skills competition by the inevitable Marie-Philip Poulin, whose goal secured the extra point for Montreal.
Toronto Shows Marked Improvement in Rematch
This contest stood in stark contrast to the teams' previous meeting in Laval, a 3-1 Montreal victory where the Sceptres felt they were outmuscled. In Halifax, Toronto matched and often exceeded the Victoire's physical play. More importantly, their defensive commitment and backchecking from the forwards were vastly improved. Efforts from players like Daryl Watts and Jesse Compher to hustle back and break up Montreal's dangerous transition game were pivotal in keeping the score tight.
The Sceptres' penalty kill was also a key factor, successfully navigating five shorthanded situations, including one in overtime. They limited the chances for Montreal's potent power-play unit, which features Poulin, Laura Stacey, and Abbey Rocque, giving Kirk clear sightlines on most shots.
Notable Performances and Local Connections
Raygan Kirk's calm and consistent play in goal is making a strong case for the starting job. Her ability to anticipate plays and move laterally quickly has been a cornerstone for Toronto early this season. On the offensive side, rookie Clara Van Wieren recorded her first PWHL assist on Toronto's lone goal and delivered what was described as her best game yet for the Sceptres.
The night held special significance for Nova Scotia natives on the Toronto roster. Captain Blayre Turnbull, from Stellarton, demonstrated leadership by insisting that defender Allie Munroe (New Glasgow) take the ceremonial opening faceoff in her first professional game in her home province.
The single point from the overtime loss brings the Sceptres' early-season record to one win, two regulation losses, and one overtime loss. They have little time to dwell on the result, as they travel next to face the New Jersey Sirens at the Prudential Centre on Sunday, December 21, with puck drop scheduled for 12 p.m. Eastern Time.
