The Vancouver Goldeneyes are making history in their debut season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Jenn Gardiner scored her first goal for the team, a short-handed one, while Emerance Maschmeyer achieved the franchise’s inaugural shutout in a 4-0 victory against the New York Sirens. This season marks the first opportunity for several local Goldeneyes to showcase their skills in front of eager fans. Five players hail from British Columbia, with Gardiner originating from Surrey.
Gardiner expressed her joy, stating, “It’s pretty special. There’s a lot of people here so to get on the scoresheet feels good.” Her goal was the third of three scored by Vancouver so far this season. Abby Boreen also shined with her first multi-goal game as a Goldeneye, netting two goals.
The team’s record now stands at 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 impact on the team’s performance.
In Saturday’s game, Maschmeyer, who stopped all 28 shots from New York, highlighted the importance of playing in front of a supportive audience. The theme of “Kids Takeover Day” underscored the team’s influence on young fans and aspiring hockey players.
Other British Columbia players on the roster include Katie Chan, Hannah Miller, Nina Jobst-Smith, and Kimberly Newell. Even players from New York’s lineup, such as Micah Zandee-Hart and Anne Cherkowski, appreciated the opportunity to compete in their home province, despite playing for the opposing team.
The event drew an attendance of 9,502 for Vancouver’s second home game. The season opener had nearly 15,000 attendees, showcasing the growing support for women’s hockey in the region.