A sign that the enthusiasm for women’s hockey is not about to fade, the Montreal and Toronto teams sold out the Scotiabank Arena on Friday evening, attracting 19,285 spectators who were treated to a frenzied match won 3- 0 by the formation of the Queen City.
“Once again, our fans have made history,” rejoiced the vice-president of hockey operations of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (LHPF), Jayna Hefford, recalling an “unforgettable and inspiring” moment. .
For the first time in LHPF history, the Toronto team filled Scotiabank, home of the Maples Leafs in the National League and the Raptors in the NBA.
“It’s extraordinary. The group was so excited, staff and athletes alike. This is something they have worked for for years and years. I’m just excited to be able to be a part of it. I’m happy that the girls can play in front of their families,” Toronto coach Troy Ryan reacted hotly when questioned in the middle of the first period by TSN.
It should be noted that the visitors who contributed to the record are already regulars in attendance records. The previous mark of 13,316 spectators was set at the Xcel Energy Center on January 6, when Montreal was in St. Paul to face Minnesota.
In Canada, the previous attendance record was set at Place Bell in Laval when 8,318 people attended a game between Montreal and Ottawa on January 27.
Toronto wins the battle
Nicknamed the “Battle of Bay Street,” Friday night’s game pitted two teams riding a three-game winning streak against each other.
After two fast-paced periods where the two teams exchanged scoring opportunities without being able to convert their chances, Toronto finally got on the scoreboard thanks to Jesse Compher’s first goal of the season.
Hannah Miller, accomplice of the first goal, gave another boost to the morale of Montrealers by scoring her third of the season. Then, Victoria Bach, in an empty net, made sure to put an end to Montreal’s hopes of a comeback.
The previous match between Toronto and Montreal, played at the Verdun auditorium, also ended with a victory for the visitors, who decided the debate in their favor in a shootout.