In the Media Room before the game there's a sense of anticipation. Granted this is the first game of a new Professional League so the usual Media outlets are here hoping a number of questions will be answered. Will the first game of the PWHL provide the answers they are looking for? Probably not. Like most new projects though, the Fear Of Missing Out is real.
Before things get underway there are a few differences that separate the PWHL from the Professional Women's Hockey Leagues that came before it. First and foremost is the financial backing. Mark Walter CEO of Guggenheim Partners, Part Owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Co-owner of Chelsea Football Club is the money man behind the PWHL. Major sponsors are on board including Rogers Media, Bally Sports, Air Canada, Fan duel, Hyundai, and major hockey equipment brands. Billie Jean King is acting as the Chief Spokesperson for the PWHL. Having a true champion of Women's sports as the figurehead can't be understated. Essentially the PWHL has done everything it could to insure a successful start.
There have been a few hiccups though!
The most obvious thing missing from the first game of the PWHL are the Team names. The first game of the PWHL features New York at Toronto. That's all there is to say because actual names for each Team have yet to be selected. In fact the first Season of the PWHL has six Teams only distinguished by their respective cities. A number of names were considered but the hockey fans felt they were clickbait as opposed to meaningful monikers. So in the end it was decided to forego names until next season. Before the game we spoke with Stan Kasten (PWHL Advisory Board Member) about the decision to forego names this Season and he brought up a very interesting point. Not having names has proven to be a bit of a benefit. When PWHL Teams are mentioned in the media they are referred to as PWHL Toronto, PWHL New York, PWHL Montreal, and so on. This has ultimately helped to build the PWHL brand.
Some may question the decision to rush the development of the League. It felt like everything was happening all at once. Hiring League and Team executives, signing foundational players, and filling out rosters through the first draft. It felt that way because it really was happening all at once. So why the rush? Well the PWHLPA Players have been holding out from playing professional hockey for three years already, and weren't willing to wait for another. So that was key to making a deal. Also the PWHL was looking to capitalize on the progress the PHF had made so ending that league and immediately replacing it was important to keep momentum. It was no easy task but they got it done. As I watch the game progress it's obvious that Toronto and New York haven't practiced much as a Team yet. Stand out plays are more about individual effort than teamwork. Of course they will develop more cohesion as the Season progresses.
So how was the game?
Unfortunately as a Toronto resident the first goal of the PWHL goes to New York's Ella Shelton. After the First Period of play it's New York 1 Toronto 0. New York has 13 shots on goal compared to Toronto's 8. Toronto's Goalie Kristen Campbell has been absolutely stellar. If not for her play, this game could have already been out of reach. The second period was a far more defensive affair than the first. I have a feeling the Coaches stressed tightening things up at the back.
The second period was also far more physical and the Referees seem content to let them play. Toronto committed to putting more pucks on the net and have taken more shots from distance which resulted in twice as many shots on net than in the first period. New York Goalie Corinne Schroeder has been up to the task so far. After two periods it's still 1-0 for New York.
The third period begins much like the second with Toronto dumping and chasing pucks into the New York zone. Their momentum is squashed by a two on one for New York which resulted in an Alex Carpenter goal. 2-0 New York. In just a matter of minutes New York extend their lead to 3-0 with a goal by Jill Saulnier. Campbell loses her stick and as a result Kayla Vespa adds to New York's lead and makes it 4-0 New York. The Referees tried to help Toronto get into the game with two quick penalties. Leading to a 5 on 3 power play but Toronto wasn't able to convert.
The first game of the PWHL isn't what many of the crowd at Mattamy Athletic Center had hoped for. Of course there's plenty of room to grow. If this game was a good example of what we should expect? Then we can expect a far more physical game than we're used to seeing in Women's Hockey. Unfortunately Toronto fails to score it's first goal and loses at home 4-0 to New York.
The next game takes place tomorrow night in Ottawa. Montreal travels to face Ottawa in what could become quite the rivalry. Then the final two Teams face off at the Tsongas center with Minnesota taking on home town Boston. Which Team will make the best impression in Week 1? It's going to be difficult to outdo New York for sure.
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