(Reporter Taylor Codomo contributed to this story)
Goldeneyes 6, Torrent 5 – OT
While the final outcome was amazing and the on-ice drama remarkable, the real takeaway from the PWHL action at Climate Pledge Arena over the weekend between the Vancouver Goldeneyes and the Seattle Torrent was the crowd’s love for the game and the teams.
Despite being overshadowed big picture by the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the PWHL holds its own with its brand loyalty. The 12,719 on hand for the match Saturday between the two regional rivals were every bit as loud as the 17,000 one might see at a Seattle Kraken game. If not more so.
There was an astounding amount of love from the locals for Torrent goaltender Carly Jackson, a first time starter for Seattle, who ended up making 36 saves. Her first appearance for the club, in relief, came last Tuesday night.
“That was a crazy hockey game,” Jackson said. “And although it feels pretty heartbreaking right now, I know that the thing I’m going to remember is all the love I felt during that game. That was pretty special, and I just feel really honored to play for this city. I wish we got a win, but that was really special to get to experience.”
Crazy yes. The Torrent actually scored a third period empty-net goal to go up 5-3 with less than four minutes to play, thinking they would finally get a head-to-head victory against their northern neighbors. Instead, the Goldeneyes rallied, forced overtime, and won the game on a a goal by Jenn Gardiner, who set a new PWHL record by scoring four of them in the match.
Vancouver’s tying goal in regulation came with less than two seconds remaining.
Despite the overtime outcome, earning Vancouver two points and Seattle one, the Goldeneyes joined the Torrent as the first two teams officially knocked out of playoff contention.
Vancouver did finish the season series undefeated against their expansion cousins to the south, twice winning in regulation and twice in the extra session.
Earlier Torrent:
— Torrent Eliminated By Goldenyes And Goalposts, 4-1
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Game-82 Not Meaningless To Ostman
