Daryl Watts netted the decisive goal in overtime at 2:16, leading the Toronto Sceptres to a 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Goldeneyes at Scotiabank Arena in a game of Professional Women’s Hockey League on Saturday.
Savannah Harmon also found the back of the net for Toronto (4-1-3-5), ending their four-game losing streak. Raygan Kirk made 23 saves.
Sarah Nurse scored the lone goal for Vancouver (3-1-2-7), extending their losing streak to three games. Emerance Maschmeyer stopped 42 shots.
Harmon capitalized on the power play, receiving a pass from Blayre Turnbull meant for Maggie Connors. Harmon seized the opportunity, firing a shot past Maschmeyer’s right shoulder for her first goal of the season at 12:43 of the second period.
Nurse, after being sidelined for eight weeks due to an arm injury, made a strong comeback and swiftly equalized the game 29 seconds after Harmon’s goal.
Nurse, a former Toronto player, shared her sentiments on facing her old team and expressed her determination to contribute to Vancouver’s success. She emphasized the importance of making an impact on the ice beyond just scoring goals.
The return of Nurse provided a significant morale boost for Vancouver, according to head coach Brian Idalski. The Goldeneyes, currently in seventh place in the standings, have struggled to meet pre-season expectations.
Toronto dominated the first period with a 20-4 shot advantage but faced challenges in the second period. Vancouver, tied with Toronto for the lowest goal-scoring record in the league, looked to Nurse for immediate assistance upon her return.
Watts’ game-winning goal, cheered by the crowd of 17,856, secured Toronto’s victory and ended their four-game losing streak.
Toronto will face the Seattle Torrent next, while Vancouver will host the Sceptres in their upcoming matches.