MONTRÉAL DENIES TORONTO’S COMEBACK WITH 4-2 VICTORY IN THRILLING VANCOUVER PWHL TAKEOVER SHOWDOWN
- Backspin Canada
- Jan 9
- 2 min read
Hockey fans in Vancouver were treated to a thrilling showdown as the Montréal Victoire secured a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Sceptres in the second game of the PWHL Takeover Tour. Rogers Arena saw a season-high attendance of 19,038, creating an electric atmosphere as two of the league’s top teams clashed in a display of skill, grit, and determination.
The Victoire set the tone early, with Mikyla Grant-Mentis lighting the lamp just five minutes into the first period. Claire Dalton followed up with another goal to give Montréal a 2-0 lead heading into the second. The crowd erupted when team captain Marie-Philip Poulin delivered a stunning highlight-reel goal midway through the second frame, extending the Victoire’s lead to 3-0. Toronto fought back, with Daryl Watts capitalizing on a power play opportunity to close the gap to 3-1 before the second intermission.
Toronto’s Jesse Compher brought the game within reach in the third period, scoring her third goal of the season. The Sceptres poured on the pressure, but Ann-Renée Desbiens stood tall between the pipes, turning away multiple high-danger chances. With time winding down, Poulin sealed the victory for Montréal with an empty-net goal, her second of the night.
Toronto forward Sarah Nurse emphasized the importance of balancing community outreach with competitive intensity: “It’s a healthy balance because growing the game and leaving a footprint is integral to who we are. But these three points are meaningful, and we’ve done a great job staying professional and rising to the occasion.”
Marie-Philip Poulin reflected on the memorable evening: “Playing in Vancouver is always special. To perform in front of a sold-out crowd representing Montréal, it doesn’t get better. We came here for a win, and we delivered.”
Notable Performances
Marie-Philip Poulin (MTL): 2 goals, including the game-winner and an empty-netter, earning her the game’s first star.
Mikyla Grant-Mentis (MTL): 1 goal and 1 assist for her first multi-point game of the season.
Jesse Compher (TOR): Scored and assisted, recording the first multi-point game of her PWHL career.
Ann-Renée Desbiens (MTL): Stopped 29 of 31 shots to anchor Montréal’s defense.
Stat Highlights
The 19,038 fans in attendance set a new season record and marked the third-largest crowd in PWHL history.
Montréal’s win solidifies their position at the top of the standings, improving to 6-2-0-1 on the season.
Toronto’s Daryl Watts scored her fifth power-play goal of the season, tying her team with Minnesota for second-most in the league.
The PWHL Takeover Tour™ continues as Montréal faces Minnesota in Denver on January 12, while Toronto heads to New York for a matchup on the same day. Both teams will look to build on their performances in front of passionate hockey fans.
