By Adam Floujeh
Photos by Eli Silverstone
The Toronto Sceptres win over the New York Sirens at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday afternoon was not just a much-needed victory but also a sign of where the PWHL and its players want their league to be.
It all started with Teresa Resch, president of the incoming WNBA Toronto Tempo franchise, coming out for the ceremonial puck drop in the middle of the rink—-an NHL-size citadel.
It was a special moment for all in attendance, from PWHL faithful to the 40 skaters who hit the ice. For Sirens defender and Mississauga, Ont., product Jaime Bourbonnais, the “electric” environment brought a sense of pride.
“Result aside, that was so special to play on that ice,” she said. “Even just looking at the ice, seeing the Leafs logo, that was pretty cool. I grew up cheering for them. So it was pretty surreal to play out there and [have] the crowd cheering for us.”
The Sceptres’ second dance at Scotiabank Arena brought out 19,102 fans, a sellout and the third-highest attendance in PWHL history.
Of course, celebrating sellouts and making history every game was the story of the PWHL’s inaugural season. But now, it's about establishing the league and making events like Battle on Bay Street the norm.
“[We] tried to actually dial it down more…instead of trying to overdo it, because it's a big game,” said Sceptres head coach Troy Ryan.
“The group, the leadership group, talked more about trying to treat this like a game five. Instead of overwhelming with concepts and systems and all that, just keep it simple.”
The approach worked—Toronto toppled the Sirens 4-2 and Toronto forward Sarah Nurse had one of her strongest games of the year, including scoring on the power play in the third period. Nevertheless, she kept her focus on the bigger picture.
“I think this whole season has felt more about the hockey,” said Nurse.
“Obviously last year we had a season of firsts, and it was really special. Every time we stepped on the ice. It seemed like it was a first for something—the biggest crowd, this record setting game. And so this year, it really has been a lot about the hockey.”
Along with games like Battle on Bay Street, this season has seen the PWHL visit a variety of larger neutral site rinks as part of the Takeover Tour. The tour features nine games taking place throughout Canada and the United States, an effort that at once showcases the way the league is stealing people’s attention across the continent and tests the ground for potential expansion.
The Sceptres had their first of two takeover matchups on Jan. 8 in Vancouver, where Montreal Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin and her game winning goal from her knees set the world on fire (not the first time she’s stolen the show in Vancouver).
“I think being able to play in these takeover games in the big arenas, it just exposes more people to the game. And it shows how we can put on a show in this incredibly professional atmosphere,” said Nurse.
No moment captured the feel of the night better than Nurse—one the biggest names in not just the women’s game but hockey overall—scoring the game winner for Toronto.
“It's been great to be at Scotiabank, and we have two wins here, so put us here a little more often.” said Nurse.
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