PWHL Ottawa defender Ashton Bell (21) celebrates a goal against PWHL Toronto goaltender Erica Howe (37) during a Jan. 13 game at Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto, Ont. [Photo by Heather Pollock]

PWHL Ottawa won 5-1 on the road against PWHL Toronto Jan. 13 at Mattamy Athletic Centre, securing the first-ever win for the franchise. 

Ottawa dominated from the outset, taking a three-goal lead in the first period. The offence was led by forward Gabbie Hughes, who tallied two goals and earned first star honours. 

Goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer was also stellar, stopping 23 of 24 shots for a .958 save percentage. 

Mikyla Grant-Mentis posted two assists in the win. Grant-Mentis was undrafted in the PWHL’s inaugural draft but impressed the coaches at Ottawa’s pre-season training camp. 

Ottawa displayed confidence coming off a 3-2 overtime loss to PWHL Montreal in their season opener. It carried them to their first win while handing Toronto a second-straight loss.

Toronto has had its fair share of troubles to begin the season. 

Their only win through four games came against PWHL New York Jan. 5 with a tight 3-2 decision on the road. 

Toronto has managed a measly five goals in four games, punctuated by a 4-0 shutout defeat against New York Jan. 1. 

Toronto’s cast of stars have yet to show themselves this season. No player on their roster has notched more than two points through their first four games. Veteran defender and second-overall pick Jocelyn Larocque has been held to only one assist and sports a -3 plus-minus rating this season. Star forward Sarah Nurse has been held to a goal and an assist. 

In goal, Toronto has yet to find stability. Starting goaltender Kristen Campbell has posted a .879 save percentage and a 3.63 goals against average. Against Ottawa, Campbell was pulled after just 20 minutes following Ottawa’s scoring outburst. Erica Howe filled in for the remainder of the afternoon, allowing two goals on 15 shots in her first PWHL appearance. 

PWHL Toronto goaltender Kristen Campbell (50) makes a save during a Jan. 13 game at Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto, Ont. [Photo by Heather Pollock]
Ottawa has yet to be plagued with the same issues, albeit with a smaller sample size. In two games, Ottawa has allowed just four goals. Whether it’s a result of stellar defending or Maschmeyer’s .917 save percentage, the team is not struggling on the back end. 

 

In fact, Maschmeyer has not only been good at saving goals, but she even chipped in some offense against Toronto. In the second period, Maschmeyer notched a primary assist on forward Natalie Snodgrass’s first goal of the season, expanding Ottawa’s lead to 4-1. Maschmeyer has the same number of assists as Toronto’s Larocque and the same points per game as Toronto’s Nurse. 

PWHL Toronto forward Blayre Turnbull (40) battles PWHL Ottawa defender Amanda Boulier (28) during a Jan. 13 game at Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto, Ont. [Photo by Heather Pollock]
Despite falling to Montreal in their season opener Jan. 2, Ottawa has yet to lose in regulation, earning points in both games this season. 

 

Ottawa endured an eleven-day break between games due to the postponement of their Jan. 8 game against PWHL Boston following inclement weather.

Toronto has the chance to turn things around at home Jan. 17 when they take on Hilary Knight and Boston.

Ottawa’s mettle will be tested in their next matchup against an undefeated and first-place PWHL Minnesota squad. Minnesota has only allowed three goals in as many games. 

The puck drops between Ottawa and Minnesota Jan. 17 at TD Place Arena.

Featured image by Heather Pollock.

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