Montreal Victory Suffers Setback Against Minnesota Frost
The Montreal Victory experienced a tough loss on Sunday in Denver, falling 4-2 to the Minnesota Frost. This defeat not only cost them the top spot in the Professional Women’s Hockey League standings but also saw them lose a key player to injury.
Forward Laura Stacey, a crucial leader for the Victory, left the ice early in the second period after what appeared to be a left leg injury. While a team spokesperson confirmed Stacey’s removal as a precautionary measure, further details about the severity of the injury remain unclear. As of two hours after the game, the spokesperson stated that stacey’s condition would be reassessed daily.The Frost secured their victory with two unanswered goals in the third period. Maggie Flaherty scored the game-winner at 7:27, followed by Michela Cava’s insurance goal with just 1:39 remaining.
Despite the loss, the Victory showed offensive prowess with goals from Catherine Dubois in the first period and Jennifer Gardiner in the second. However, they were unable to capitalize on other scoring opportunities, a point emphasized by head coach Kori Cheverie.
“We had enough chances to win today, but we didn’t convert,” Cheverie stated. “We also made some puck decisions that we’ll need to review.Against a team like Minnesota, you have to minimize mistakes.”
Cheverie acknowledged the Frost’s strong performance,praising their fast-paced style and ability to capitalize on opponent errors.
The defeat drops the Victory to second place in the LPHF standings, two points behind the Frost. The two teams will face off again on Friday evening at Place Bell, providing Montreal with an immediate possibility for redemption.
A Challenging Road Trip
The Victory concluded their demanding road trip,which included stops in Seattle,Vancouver,and Denver,with a record of one regulation win,one regulation loss,and one shootout loss.
Despite the challenges, Cheverie expressed satisfaction with her team’s resilience and mindset.
“It was a demanding trip for our players, but I think they were prepared and had the right attitude,” Cheverie remarked. “We knew there would be obstacles, and I’m pleased with how our team responded to everything we encountered.Facing adversity early in the season can be beneficial, allowing the team to learn and grow together.”
A Record-Breaking Night for Women’s Hockey
The Colorado Avalanche’s home arena, Ball Arena, witnessed history in the making as 14,018 fans packed the stands for a professional women’s hockey game. This attendance shattered the previous record for a women’s hockey game in the United States, demonstrating the growing popularity and support for the sport.
Victory defender Cayla Barnes, a key player for the American team, attributed the success to the team’s dedication and the tireless work of those behind the scenes. “The product we deliver on the ice is what resonates with fans,” Barnes stated. “We put in countless hours of work, and there are manny individuals who contribute significantly to our achievements.”
Barnes also emphasized the crucial role of the fans, highlighting their unwavering support and desire for a professional women’s hockey league across the country. “We wouldn’t be here without the incredible support of our fans,” she said. “Seeing their signs, hearing their chants, and knowing they want a team in every city is truly inspiring. I believe we’ll see women’s hockey teams thriving nationwide someday.”
Dubois Shines with a Season Debut Goal
The Montreal team continued their impressive streak of scoring the first goal, marking their fourth consecutive game with this accomplishment as returning from the Christmas break.
In a surprising turn of events, it was forward Dubois who broke the ice just two minutes into the first period against the Frost. Displaying impressive offensive prowess,Dubois capitalized on a pass from Dara Greig,finding herself unmarked near the net and unleashing a powerful shot past the Frost’s goaltender.
This goal marked dubois’ first of the season, adding another layer of excitement to the Montreal team’s already dominant performance.(Image caption: Jennifer Gardiner, who scored one of Montreal’s two goals against the Minnesota Frost, celebrates with her teammates. (Archive photo))
A Tight battle: Victory Edges Out Frost in Thrilling Matchup
The Montreal Force and the Toronto Six clashed in a fiercely contested game, with the Victory ultimately emerging victorious. the first period saw a back-and-forth battle, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess.
The Frost drew first blood midway through the opening frame. Curl-Salemme capitalized on a faceoff win by heise, unleashing a precise wrist shot past Chuli. Though, the Victory responded with tenacity, generating several scoring opportunities during a penalty to Stacey. Chuli stood tall in net, repelling all five shots directed her way.
As stacey exited the penalty box, she received a perfectly weighted pass from Barnes, creating a perilous scoring chance against Rooney. The Victory’s netminder remained unfazed, making a crucial save. Rooney’s brilliance was on display again in the closing seconds of the period,denying Ljungblom after a faceoff victory by Poulin during a power play.
The second period witnessed a pivotal moment as Jaques, returning from a five-game hiatus, broke the deadlock during a penalty to Grant-Mentis. This marked the first time since December 28th that Cheverie’s squad trailed in a game.
The Victory refused to be deterred, tying the game shortly after during a penalty to Butorac. A pass attempt by Gardiner from behind the Frost net deflected off Batherson’s skate and found its way past Rooney.
The decisive moment arrived when Flaherty seized control of a loose puck in the slot and fired it past Rooney, securing the victory for the Toronto Six.
Montreal Victory Stumbles, Facing Key Challenges
Sunday’s clash between the Montreal Victory and the Minnesota Frost in Denver proved a pivotal moment in the early LPHF season. The Frost emerged victorious, claiming a 4-2 win that not only saw them ascend to the top of the standings but also left the Victory facing multiple concerns.while the loss itself is a setback, the potential long-term absence of star forward Laura Stacey due to a leg injury casts a important shadow over montreal’s immediate future.
The game itself highlighted the strategic chess match that defines top-level professional women’s hockey. While Montreal displayed offensive firepower,netting goals from Catherine Dubois and Jennifer Gardiner,they were ultimately undone by their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and a few critical puck management errors.
Coach Kori Cheverie, ever the tactician, acknowledged these shortcomings while also praising the Frost’s relentless pressure and clinical finishing. “We had enough chances to win today, but we didn’t convert,” Cheverie stated. “We also made some puck decisions that we’ll need to review. Against a team like Minnesota, you have to minimize mistakes.”
Minnesota capitalized on Montreal’s vulnerabilities, scoring two unanswered goals in the third period to secure the win. Maggie Flaherty’s game-winner at 7:27 was followed by Michela Cava’s insurance goal with just 1:39 remaining, silencing any hopes of a Montreal comeback.
The loss, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Stacey’s injury, raises crucial questions for the Victory.
Can they maintain their offensive momentum without Stacey’s leadership and on-ice brilliance? Will they be able to tighten up their defensive play and minimize costly errors against a Frost team that now holds the psychological advantage?
The upcoming rematch this Friday at Place Bell offers an immediate opportunity for redemption. It will be a true test of the Victory’s resilience and their ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
But beyond the on-ice drama,Sunday’s match also highlighted a larger narrative: the surging popularity of women’s hockey. The record-breaking attendance of 14,018 fans at Ball Arena, shattering previous attendance records for a women’s hockey game in the United States, underscores the growing fanbase and the increasing recognition these athletes deserve. As Cayla Barnes aptly stated, “The product we deliver on the ice is what resonates with fans.”
The Victory’s stumble may have delivered a harsh blow to their title aspirations, but navigating these challenges will ultimately shape the narrative of their season. The fans, inspired by the record-breaking turnout in Denver and the passion displayed by these athletes, will be eagerly watching.
