In an electrifying match on Saturday, the Vancouver Goldeneyes triumphed in overtime against the Minnesota Frost, securing a 4-3 victory. The decisive goal came from defenceman Sophie Jaques just 1 minute and 24 seconds into the overtime period. This shot, assisted by Hannah Miller, marked Jaques’s ninth goal of the season.
Game Overview
The Goldeneyes concluded their inaugural Women’s Professional Hockey League season in seventh place among eight teams. They entered the final period with a 3-1 lead. However, Minnesota rallied back with two goals from Kelly Pannek and Klara Hymlarova, forcing the game into overtime.
Scoring Breakdown
- Kendall Coyne Schofield opened the scoring for Minnesota at 4:04 of the first period.
- Jenn Gardiner equalized for Vancouver 49 seconds later with a goal.
- Sarah Nurse and Miller also contributed goals, helping the Goldeneyes take the lead.
- Pannek scored first in the third period, narrowing Vancouver’s lead to 3-2.
- Hymlarova tied the game at 9:26 of the third period with her third goal of the season.
Season Statistics
The Goldeneyes ended the season with a record of 9 wins, 3 losses, 4 overtime losses, and 14 points. They amassed 37 points overall. Their last four games saw them score 18 goals, demonstrating their offensive strength.
- Tereza Vanisova achieved a career-high of 49 points this season.
- The team secured eight victories on home ice.
Frost Performance
The Minnesota Frost finished third in the league with a total of 50 points, holding a record of 13 wins, 3 losses, 4 overtime losses, and 9 extra time losses. In a disappointing close to the regular season, they fell short in four consecutive games.
- Minnesota’s Taylor Heise set a league record with 24 multi-point games in her career.
- Britta Curl-Salemme faced significant criticism during a Pride Celebration Unity Game.
Key Players and Goaltending
Vancouver’s goaltender, Emerance Maschmeyer, made 28 saves, while Minnesota’s Marlene Boissonnault, in her first PWHL start, stopped 20 shots. The Goldeneyes showcased a strong offense, and their defense held up well until the late rally by the Frost.
Looking Ahead
The Minnesota Frost will prepare for the best-of-five semifinal playoffs, starting Thursday in Boston or Saturday in Montreal. Meanwhile, the Goldeneyes’ season has concluded with notable performances and growth throughout their inaugural year.
