Elaine Chuli’s outstanding performance with 29 saves led the Toronto Sceptres to a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Victoire at the Bell Centre in a Professional Women’s Hockey League match on Saturday afternoon. This marked Chuli’s first start against Montreal, having previously served as the Victoire’s backup goaltender for two seasons.
Jesse Compher and Daryl Watts found the back of the net for Toronto (4-0-0-2), with Chuli moving to a 3-0-0-0 record for the season. Abby Roque scored the lone goal for Montreal (3-1-0-3), which suffered its second consecutive loss following a four-game winning streak. Ann-Renée Desbiens made 23 saves for Montreal.
Compher opened the scoring for Toronto late in the first period, while Roque equalized for Montreal in the second period. Watts then secured the win for Toronto with a goal in the second period.
The victory propelled the Sceptres to second place in the PWHL standings. Despite missing key defenders due to injuries, Toronto managed to secure a crucial win on the road against Montreal.
Montreal’s power play has struggled, failing to score in the last four games. The game’s key moment came when Laura Stacey’s shot hit the post, nearly tying the game for Montreal.
This game marked the second meeting between Montreal and Toronto at the Bell Centre, with Toronto emerging victorious in both encounters. Montreal will face the New York Sirens next, while the Sceptres will host the Minnesota Frost in their upcoming fixture.