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EDMONTON – The Toronto Sceptres faced off against the Ottawa Charge in a nail-biting Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game at Rogers Place, marking their third appearance in an NHL-sized arena this season. Despite a rocky start, the Sceptres showcased their resilience, ultimately clinching a 3-2 victory in overtime.
Early struggles and a comeback story
From the outset, the Sceptres struggled to find their rhythm. They were outshot 17-2 in the first period, with Ottawa’s Gabbie Hughes scoring on the very first shot of the game. However, the Sceptres regrouped, thanks in large part to their goaltender, Raygan Kirk, who made crucial saves to keep the team in contention.
Kirk’s performance was instrumental, allowing the Sceptres to enter the first intermission only trailing by one goal.
“Kirky played really well,” praised Sceptres coach Troy Ryan. “She just looked confident in there. They settled down and built off the foundation that Kirky provided.” This foundation proved vital as the Sceptres turned the tide in the second period, outshooting Ottawa 19-5 and scoring two power-play goals, including a critical marker from Julia Gosling just before the second period ended.
Daryl Watts: The hero of the night
Daryl Watts emerged as the standout player of the match, scoring two goals, including the game-winner just 51 seconds into overtime. Her determination and skill were evident as she executed a wraparound goal that sent the Sceptres fans into a frenzy.
“This is such a cool experience for all of us,” Watts remarked about playing in the iconic Rogers Place. “It was electric. It was hard not to get incredibly excited.”
Watts’ performance not only secured the win but also highlighted the growing talent in women’s hockey, as players like her continue to break barriers and inspire the next generation.
The Sceptres’ victory improved their record to 6-2-4-6, while Ottawa fell to 6-0-3-8.
A special moment for players and fans
The game was part of the PWHL’s “Takeover Tour,” which aims to bring women’s hockey to new audiences.
For many players, including Ottawa’s Emerance Maschmeyer, the game held special significance as they played in front of friends and family. “It’s truly a home game, in front of our friends and family and the coaches and the people we went to school with,” Maschmeyer said, reflecting on the emotional atmosphere of the match.
As the league continues to grow, events like these not only showcase the talent of female athletes but also foster community support and engagement. The excitement surrounding the game was palpable, with players expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play in such a prestigious venue.
With the PWHL gaining momentum, fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups as teams continue to battle for supremacy in the league. The Toronto Sceptres, with their impressive comeback and standout performances, are certainly a team to watch as the season progresses.
