Toronto Sceptres Triumph 2-1 Over Vancouver Goldeneyes with Early Goals

The Toronto Sceptres secured a 2-1 victory against the Vancouver Goldeneyes on March 1, 2026, with early goals paving the way for their success. Laura Messier marked a significant milestone by scoring her first goal in the Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), helping her team clinch the win in Vancouver.

Sara Hjalmarsson initiated the scoring for the Sceptres at the 7:10 mark of the first period. She received a precise pass from Claire Dalton and fired a powerful shot from the low hash mark, marking her second goal of the season. Just 57 seconds later, Messier doubled the Sceptres’ advantage, once again assisted by Dalton, who recorded her second assist of the game.

The Sceptres maintained their lead, bolstered by an impressive performance from goaltender Raygan Kirk, who made 25 saves throughout the match. This victory follows a 5-2 win against the Seattle Torrent just two days prior, demonstrating the Sceptres’ growing momentum in the league.

The Goldeneyes, who had not played since January 28, finally found their footing 9:07 into the third period. Izzy Daniel scored her fifth goal of the season with a well-timed one-timer that slipped through Kirk’s legs, narrowing the score to 2-1. Vancouver’s goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer recorded 22 saves against the Sceptres’ offensive onslaught.

Game Insights

Vancouver’s performance reflected some early-game rust, as turnovers contributed to the Sceptres’ two opening goals. In an effort to strengthen their roster, the Goldeneyes signed forward Brianna Brooks to a 10-day contract on game day, as both forward Katie Chan and defender Claire Thompson continue to recover from upper-body injuries.

After establishing an early lead, the Sceptres shifted their focus to defense in the latter periods. They successfully blocked 20 shots throughout the game, showcasing their commitment to protecting their lead. Notably, leading scorer Darryl Watts was absent due to illness, adding a layer of challenge for the Sceptres.

Critical Moments

A crucial moment occurred in the third period when the Goldeneyes intensified their attack. Kirk made a key save at 7:48, dropping to the ice to thwart a shot from Vancouver’s star forward, Sarah Nurse. Kirk’s quick reflexes ensured that Nurse could not capitalize on a rebound opportunity, preserving the Sceptres’ lead.

Neither team was able to capitalize on their power-play opportunities, with both sides finishing 0-for-2 in that regard, highlighting the defensive strategies employed by each team.

Looking ahead, the Goldeneyes will continue their five-game homestand against the Boston Fleet on March 10. Meanwhile, the Sceptres are set to host the Montreal Victoire on Tuesday, eager to build on their recent successes.

This report was compiled from information provided by The Canadian Press.