The Vancouver Goldeneyes made PWHL history Tuesday night (Dec. 16) by winning their first three inaugural season home games.
Goldeneyes forward Jenn Gardiner said it was amazing not only to win at home but also to set a new PWHL record.
“It’s pretty incredible to get to play in this building,” Gardiner said. “I think every team that’s come in here has looked up and thought, ‘wow, this is an incredible movement for women’s hockey.’ For this to be our home barn with so many fans and to see them travelling long distances to be part of the Goldeneyes fan base, it’s indescribable. We’re very lucky to be here in Vancouver. The fans bring a lot of energy for us, so we’re really excited that we’re producing for them.”
The Vancouver Goldeneyes hosted the Ottawa Charge at the Pacific Coliseum Saturday (Dec. 16) in front of a crowd of 9,250 people. Vancouver defeated the Charge 2-1. With Tuesday night’s win, the Goldeneyes moved to second place in the PWHL with eight points (2-1-0-3).
Goldeneyes rookie and Richmond native Katie Chan scored her first PWHL career goal, giving her team a point lead at 7:50 in the first period.
Then, in the second period, on a partial breakaway, Gardiner scored unassisted, making it 2-0 for the Goldeneyes.
“Anna Shokhina broke Ottawa’s five period scoring drought when she buried a centering pass at 14:17 of the third – the first of her PWHL career,” noted a Goldeneyes news release Wednesday (Dec. 17).
Katie Chan was awarded the number one star of the game, followed by Kristen Campbell, who saved 33 out of 34 shots on net, and Jenn Gardnier.
Vancouver star forward Sarah Nurse is still on the long-term injured reserve list and is expected to be reevaluated in a couple of weeks, the team said.
Many of the Goldeneyes coaches, staff and fans were wearing pink ribbons in honour of Charge coach Carla MacLeod, who was recently announced to have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Fans also rose to their feet to cheer and acknowledge MacLeod, who was coaching, as well as people they know who have been impacted by cancer.
From Dec. 8 to Dec. 15, the PWHL took an international break to continue the Team Canada vs. Team United States rivalry series. Canada lost all four games in the series to the United States. These games serve as a lead-up for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games for the two teams.
Vancouver’s next game is at home on Dec. 20 at 12 p.m. PT against the Montreal Victoire at the Pacific Coliseum.
The PWHL entered its third season on Nov. 21 with its original six teams: Toronto Sceptres, Montreal Victoire, Ottawa Charge, Minnesota Frost, Boston Fleet, and New York Sirens, along with the two new teams, Vancouver Goldeneyes and Seattle Torrent.
In Canada, Tuesday night games will stream on Prime Video, Wednesday night games will be on TSN, Thursday night games will air on TSN and Sportsnet. Friday, Saturday and Sunday games will air on CBC, TSN, and Sportsnet.
About the Author: Anna Burns
I cover breaking news, health care, court, Vancouver Rise FC, Vancouver Goldeneyes and social issues-related topics for the Surrey Now-Leader. anna.burns@surreynowleader.com Follow Anna on Twitter.