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New York etch themselves into history with inaugural PWHL Game

PWHL New York, Featured, Ice Hockey, Professional

January 2, 2024

The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) replaced the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) after it dissolved following the 2022-23 season.

As the puck dropped at Mattamy Athletic Centre between PWHL New York and PWHL Toronto, the battle was won for the women who play now and the girls who will one day take the ice.

In the inaugural season of the PWHL, the league will consist of six teams: New York, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Minnesota, and Boston. Monday’s inaugural game saw Toronto host New York, and both sides played with excitement and grit. The first period saw both sides get goal scoring opportunities early on, but neither side was able to capitalize. New York was finally able to capitalize on an opportunity almost 11 minutes into the first period as #17 Ella Shelton wristed one past #50 Kristen Campbell from the left faceoff circle after #25 Alex Carpenter cleanly won the faceoff back to Shelton. Toronto would get a few more opportunities before the period ended but couldn’t light the lamp. Shelton would etch herself into PWHL history scoring the first goal in league history.

The second period displayed the defensive talent that both sides have. Both Toronto and New York would get their fair share of opportunities, including power play opportunities for both sides. The goaltenders on both sides stood strong in this period, but New York goaltender #30 Corinne Schroeder shone and made saves left and right. She was the reason that New York would be entering the third period with the lead as Toronto had the 16-4 shot advantage in the second frame.

New York’s offense would be quick to thank Schroeder for her second period performance as New York would score in the first three minutes of the third period. Carpenter would get her second point of the night as she sniped one past Campbell for the 2-0 lead. Just over two minutes later New York would score again and this time it was #44 Jill Saulnier who put away a beautiful give and go pass from #27 Jade Downie-Landry.

New York wasn’t done with the scoring yet as three minutes later #13 Alexandra Labelle sent the puck to the crease which #10 Kayla Vespa buried past Campbell. #12 Chloé Aurard was also a standout on the offensive side as she ended the afternoon with two assists. Schroeder was still shining bright in the final frame as she made key saves to blank Toronto to secure the first win and shutout in both New York and PWHL history.

This New York team is special and has a lot of talent throughout its roster. If you didn’t catch the first game you can watch New York back in action again on January 5th when they face Toronto once again, but this time at Total Mortgage Arena where New York will host its first ever home game. Local streaming can be found on MSG Networks and global streaming can be found on the PWHL YouTube channel.