PWHL Takeover Tour: Minnesota Frost vs. New York Sirens
PWHL Takeover Tour: Minnesota Frost vs. New York Sirens
Detroit Welcomes the PWHL
The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) made history during its Takeover Tour in Detroit, where the Minnesota Frost faced off against the New York Sirens. The game not only showcased intense on-ice action but also marked a major milestone: the league’s one-millionth fan in attendance. The energy in the arena was electric, culminating in chants of "We want a team" from the passionate Detroit crowd. With Detroit under consideration as a potential PWHL expansion city, the enthusiasm of the fans added weight to the city's candidacy.
Game Highlights
The Sirens, currently ranked sixth in the league with a record of 4-4-4, battled hard against the fourth-ranked Frost, who came into the matchup with a 7-5-4 record. Ultimately, the Sirens clinched the victory with a final score of 4-1.
Period-by-Period Breakdown
First Period
6:08 - Frost Goal: Grace Zumwinkle opened the scoring for the Frost, with assists from Sophie Jaques and Brooke McQuigge.
9:59 - Sirens Goal: Jaime Bourbonnais responded, tying the game with help from Jessie Eldridge and Michigan native Abby Roque.
14:11 - Sirens Goal: Paten Levis gave the Sirens the lead, assisted by Sarah Fillier and Lauren Bernard.
Penalties:
6:03 - Sirens' Elle Hartje (Holding, 2 min)
10:16 - Frost's Claire Thompson (Tripping, 2 min)
19:55 - Frost's Sophie Jaques (Hooking, 2 min)
Second Period
3:25 - Sirens Goal: Jessie Eldridge extended the Sirens' lead, with assists from Brooke Hobson and Lauren Bernard.
Penalties:
None
Third Period
17:37 - Sirens Goal: Sarah Fillier sealed the win with an empty-net goal, assisted by Micah Zander-Hart.
Penalties:
00:44 - Frost's Michela Cava (Interference, 2 min)
3:00 - Sirens' Taylor Girard (Hooking, 2 min)
3:43 - Sirens' Jade Downie-Landry (Holding Opponent's Stick, 2 min)
Standout Performances and Michigan Pride
Several Michigan natives took center stage, making the Detroit crowd proud. Notable players included:
Abby Roque (#11, Sirens, Sault Ste. Marie)
Taylor Girard (#71, Sirens, Macomb)
Elle Hartje (#13, Sirens, Detroit)
Mellissa Channell (#23, Frost, Plymouth)
Tonight’s Goalie Matchup
Frost: Nicole Hensley guarded the net but faced tough opposition from the Sirens' offensive line.
Sirens: Corinne Schroeder stood strong in goal, contributing to the victory with key saves.
League Leaders Showdown
Points: Sirens' Sarah Fillier (23 points, T-2nd) vs. Frost's Kendall Coyne Schofield (21 points, T-4th).
Goals: Frost's Kendall Coyne Schofield (10 goals, T-3rd).
Assists: Sirens' Sarah Fillier (14 assists, 3rd) and Frost's Sophie Jaques (13 assists, T-4th).
Goalie Stats: Sirens' Schroeder (7 wins, 4th, .913 SV%) and Frost's Maddie Rooney (8 wins, 3rd, 2.02 GAA).
Record-Breaking Attendance
With 14,288 fans in attendance, this game marked the highest attendance for a U.S. PWHL event for the second consecutive year. The crowd erupted into chants of "We want a team" during the third period, underscoring Detroit’s enthusiasm for women's hockey. This turnout stands as the fourth highest overall this season, underlining the city’s potential as a future home for a PWHL franchise.
Looking Ahead
The final Takeover Tour event is scheduled for March 29 in St. Louis, promising another exciting showcase of elite women’s hockey.
Detroit proved its passion and potential as a future PWHL city. If this game is any indication, the Motor City is more than ready to embrace a team of its own.
#ElevateUp #PWHL #NYSirens #NewYorkSirens #MinnesotaFrost #Hockey
