In a sign that the enthusiasm for women's hockey will not wane, the teams from Montreal and Toronto sold out the Scotiabank Arena on Friday evening, drawing 19,285 spectators to a thrilling game that was won 3-0 by the Queen City formation became.
“Our fans have once again made history,” said Jayna Hefford, vice president of hockey operations for the Professional Women's Hockey League (LHPF), 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 is extraordinary. The group was so excited, staff and athletes alike. They have worked for this for years. I'm just happy to be a part of it. “I’m excited for the girls to be able to play in front of their families,” Toronto coach Troy Ryan said heatedly when questioned by TSN midway through the first period.
It should be noted that the visitors who contributed to the recording are already regulars in the attendance list. The previous mark of 13,316 spectators was set on Jan. 6 at the Xcel Energy Center when Montreal faced Minnesota in St. Paul.
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
Friday night's game, dubbed the “Battle of Bay Street,” pitted two teams on a three-game winning streak.
After two fast-paced periods in which the two teams traded scoring chances without being able to capitalize on 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, boosted the Montrealers' morale again by scoring her third goal of the season. Then Victoria Bach in the empty net ensured that Montreal's hopes of a comeback came to an end.
The previous game between Toronto and Montreal, played at the Verdun Auditorium, also ended in a victory for the visitors, who settled the debate in their favor in a shootout.