The Vancouver Goldeneyes are experiencing many firsts in their debut season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. In their recent 4-0 victory over the New York Sirens, Jenn Gardiner scored her first goal as a Goldeneye, a short-handed one, while Emerance Maschmeyer achieved the franchise’s first shutout.
This season also marks the first opportunity for several homegrown Goldeneyes to showcase their skills in front of a supportive crowd eagerly anticipating professional hockey. Among them, five players are from British Columbia, including Surrey native Gardiner. Reflecting on her achievement, Gardiner expressed, “It’s pretty special to score in front of so many people.”
The game saw Vancouver scoring three short-handed goals, with Abby Boreen registering her first multi-goal game as a Goldeneye with two goals. The team’s record improved to 2-0 at home following three consecutive losses on the road. Head coach Brian Idalski emphasized the significance of the home crowd’s support, acknowledging its pivotal role in the team’s success.
Maschmeyer, who stopped all 28 shots by New York, highlighted the importance of playing in front of a home audience for players like Gardiner. The event’s theme, “Kids Takeover Day,” underscored the team and league’s impact on young fans and aspiring professional hockey players. Maschmeyer noted, “We inspire them, but honestly, they inspire us.”
In addition to Gardiner, other B.C. players on Vancouver’s roster include Katie Chan from Richmond, Hannah Miller, Nina Jobst-Smith from North Vancouver, and Kimberly Newell from Burnaby. Meanwhile, players from British Columbia on New York’s team, including Sirens captain Micah Zandee-Hart and forward Anne Cherkowski, embraced the opportunity to play in their home province.
Despite the loss, players like Cherkowski recognized the overwhelming support for women’s hockey at Pacific Coliseum. The game attracted a significant crowd, with an attendance of 9,502 for Vancouver’s second home game. The team’s inaugural season has generated excitement and interest, with nearly 15,000 fans attending the season opener against the Seattle Torrent, which Vancouver won 4-3 in overtime.