Elaine Chuli showcased a stellar performance with 29 saves to lead the Toronto Sceptres to a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Victoire at the Bell Centre in Professional Women’s Hockey League action. 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 improving her season record to 3-0-0-0. On the other side, 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 initiated 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 late in the second period. Toronto now sits in second place in the PWHL standings, while Montreal attempted a late rally by pulling their goaltender.
Toronto faced defensive challenges with key players Renata Fast and Allie Munroe sidelined due to injuries. Despite this, Toronto managed to clinch a crucial away victory against Montreal.
Montreal’s power play continued to struggle, failing to score in four consecutive games. A significant moment in the game came when Laura Stacey’s shot hit the post but was cleared off the line by Kali Flanagan, preventing Montreal from tying the game.
The game marked the fifth PWHL matchup at the Bell Centre and the second meeting between Montreal and Toronto at the arena, with Toronto emerging victorious in both encounters.
In upcoming fixtures, the Victoire will face the New York Sirens, while the Sceptres will host the Minnesota Frost.