The Vancouver Goldeneyes’ five-game homestand ended in defeat, as the team lost to the Minnesota Frost 3-1.
Vancouver hosted the Frost Saturday (March 21) at the Pacific Coliseum in front of a crowd of 10,366 people.
This was Minnesota’s fifth consecutive win, and they are currently tied for first place in the league with 42 points.
The Frost’s Natalie Buchbinder opened up the scoring in the first period on a power play. Kelly Pannek and Britta Curl-Salemme also scored. Goaltender Maddie Rooney saved 19 of 20 shots on net.
The crowd jumped to their feet in celebration when Mannon McMahon scored in the third period. Kristen Campbell saved 20 of 22 shots on net; the last Frost goal was an empty net.
McMahon was traded to Vancouver halfway through the season from Ottawa, and it was something she had not expected would happen.
“But my teammates, the organization, everyone involved has been super helpful. It’s been really fun getting to know this group of players. With the Olympic break, [we’ve had] time to get settled and get some practices in. My new line has been great too. They’re super easy to work with and it’s been fun to find some chemistry with them. We’re getting our opportunities, but pucks are loose in front of the net and at the end of the day we have to get more goals, so we have to find those scenarios.”
Goalie Emerance Maschmeyer and Katie Chen are still listed as day-to-day with upper-body injuries.
After five games at home, the Goldeneyes hit the road for their next five games. They play the Boston Fleet on Tuesday (March 24) at 7 p.m. ET.
Vancouver Head Coach Brian Idalski said on his team’s approach to their remaining games against the top teams in the league, “Everyone in this league is good. Every game is tough and every game’s a playoff game, so I don’t think [where our opposition is in the standings] plays into [our approach] as much as us continuing to be confident, continuing to play the way we’re playing. Opportunities and outcomes take care of themselves when you’re executing and you’re consistently doing the right things.”
The Goldeneyes are currently in seventh place in the league with 24 points.
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.
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.