Sceptor's decisive gunfire triumph over Sirens, securing a 2-1 win with Spooner's fatal shot.
Toronto, on April 29, saw Natalie Spooner net the shootout winner as the Sceptres overcame a two-game slump with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the New York Sirens. The victory solidified Toronto's second-place position in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), as they now boast a three-point cushion over the Boston Fleet.
Daryl Watts scored the regulation goal for the Sceptres, who had already sealed a playoff berth following the Sirens' 2-0 win over the Minnesota Frost on April 27. Making her debut in the PWHL after two seasons as a backup, Carly Jackson impressively blocked 25 shots in goal for the triumphant Sceptres.
Scoring the lone New York goal in regulation was Ella Shelton, and goalie Kayle Osborne saved 34 shots for the Sirens. A three-game winning streak came to an end for New York, with their postseason hopes snuffed out on April 26 when the Ottawa Charge edged past the Montreal Victoire. With that loss, the New York Sirens claimed the top pick in the upcoming PWHL draft.
Although the Sceptres missed several golden opportunities to secure victory in regulation, including power play chances, their resilience paid off in the shootout. Sarah Nurse and Watts both failed to capitalize on great scoring chances in overtime, a factor that hindered Toronto for the evening. The Sirens, despite the loss, demonstrated their potential against the second-place Sceptres, with Osborne playing a pivotal role in their defense and the penalty kill thriving on the night.
The Sirens will host the Montreal Victoire to close out the year, while the Sceptres square off against the Ottawa Charge in the regular-season finale on May 3. Be on the lookout for these excited matchups to unfold!
This article by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2025.
As of April 30, the Minnesota Frost stands in fifth place with an 8-5-4-11 record (38 points)[4], while the Toronto Sceptres defeated the New York Sirens in the shootout on April 29[3]. Exact full standings and playoff scenarios remain unclear from the provided sources, with several teams, including Montreal and Ottawa, likely vying for higher positions.
Schroeder, acting as the goalie for the Sirens in the April 29 match, saved 34 shots against the Toronto Sceptres during regulation. The Sirens had their chance to overtake the second-place Sceptres in the PWHL, but a shootout loss ended their three-game winning streak.
The Sirens' hopes for the postseason were extinguished on April 26 when they lost to the Ottawa Charge, securing the top pick for the Sirens in the upcoming PWHL draft. Corinne, the Sirens' goalie, played a crucial role in their defense and penalty kill that night.
In the upcoming 2025 NHL season, Schroeder could find herself serving as a backup for other teams, showcasing her skills in hopes of getting another opportunity to start. With the Sirens' top pick, they might draft an impressive player who can lead them to future victories.
Daryl Watts of the Sceptres not only scored the regulation goal in the April 29 shootout win but also blocked several golden opportunities in overtime. Watts' performance displays her potential as a promising player in the PWHL and beyond, potentially earning higher recognition in upcoming sports seasons.
