Sceptres sizzle in Battle on Bay Street triumph

With a sold-out crowd of 19,102 fans, the second edition of the Battle of Bay Street demonstrated that professional women’s ice hockey has a home in Toronto. Facing off at Scotiabank Arena, home of the storied Maple Leafs, the chance to grace NHL ice stood as testament to the major league talents of the host Toronto Sceptres and visiting New York Sirens.

The event certainly provided a tremendous sense of momentum, celebrating women in sport as a focal point. Before puck drop Tessa Bonhomme, a Clarkson Cup champion with the Toronto Furies, and Julia Tocheri, former host of Leafs Lunch, did a live recording of their highly popular Jocks in Jills podcast near Gate 1.

Of note, Bonhomme’s presence held another unique sense of coincidence. Having starred for Ohio State University, she was among several Buckeyes alumnae on this magical day. Among the Sceptres stars, Emma Maltais, Natalie Spooner and star rookie Raygan Kirk also played for Ohio State. Among a rare group to have played in both Battle of Bay Street contests, a strong sense of excitement enveloped Maltais.

“So, so, so pumped to play in Scotiabank Arena again! These moments are so big for us as a team, the league and the sport of women’s hockey so they are such an honour to play in. Our fans are the best in the league and I’m excited to be able to play in front of so many of them. As a team, we are going to bring the energy and attitude from puck drop to get this win against the Sirens.”

In addition, both dressing rooms featured distinguished visitors. Members of AFC Toronto participated in a Sceptres lineup read, while Northern Super League founder Diana Matheson handled the Sirens read. Adding to the theme of women in sport, members of the gold medal winning Canadian Women’s U18 National Hockey Team could be found in the stands, proudly wearing the Maple Leaf.

Teresa Resch, the president of the WNBA expansion Toronto Tempo dropped the puck in a ceremonial face off, featuring Sceptres captain Blayre Turnbull and Sirens alternate captain Jaime Bourbonnais. Having played at the junior level for Bradi Cochrane’s Oakville Jr. Hornets, Bourbonnais grew up as a Maple Leafs fan. The opportunity to emulate her hockey heroes and grace the ice at Scotiabank Arena marked a highly emotional moment for the elite blueliner.

“Today’s game at Scotiabank Arena is incredibly exciting for the whole team, and for me personally. Growing up to watch the Leafs play there, I never imagined I’d get the chance to play in my own professional hockey game on that ice. For many of us, this will be the biggest crowd we’ve ever played in front of, and I know the girls are excited to live out our dreams.”

In addition to Bourbonnais, the Battle of Bay Street provided plenty of emotion for several other skaters. Taylor Girard, recently acquired from the Boston Fleet in exchange for Jillian Saulnier, made her Sirens debut on this day. Additionally, Megan Carter, Toronto’s second round pick in the Draft enjoyed her first PWHL appearances in this monumental event, amassing 14:07 minutes of ice time.  

The Battle of Bay Street also allowed the perfect opportunity for Molson’s “See My Name” jersey program. With players names placed on the bottom of the jersey back, the Molson logo appears on the upper back. Intensity defined a first period resulting in 19 shots on goal. Following over 18 minutes of scoreless play, Hannah Miller broke the defensive stalemate. Having stepped up this season with the absence of Natalie Spooner to injury, the squad’s leading goal scorer provided the Sceptres with the game’s opening goal as the frenzied crowd roared in deafening approval.

The Sirens would bounce back in the second period as Ella Shelton found the back of the net at the 10:31 mark, spoiling Raygan Kirk’s shutout bid. Worth noting, Shelton also scored the first goal in PWHL history, taking place on January 1, 2024 in Toronto. Capitalizing on a power play opportunity, the Sirens were unable to add anymore goals. Instead, it was the Sceptres that managed to regain the lead. Before the second period expired, Miller added her second goal of the game, simultaneously jumping into the league lead for goals scored.

Early in the third period, the Sceptres lead evaporated again as Abby Roque scored for the visiting Sirens, tying the score at two. With goaltenders Corinne Schroeder and Raygan Kirk guarding their creases with tremendous resilience, over 13 minutes passed without a goal scored. 

Once again, a power play opportunity proved crucial. Logging her first goal in seven games, Sarah Nurse buried the puck past Schroeder with less than six minutes left, as Daryl Watts and Jesse Compher earned the assists. Giving Toronto their first power play goal since January 8, Nurse’s goal provided the Sceptres the lead once again, one that would not be relinquished.

Behind Kirk’s strong performance, plus an empty-net goal from Kali Flanagan, the 4-2 final provided Miller and Compher the opportunity to make league history. Becoming the only players to have registered points in both Battle of Bay Street games, a proud place in franchise lore is certainly assured. For her efforts, Miller earned First Star of the Game recognition, followed by Nurse as Second Star, while Schroeder, who recorded 31 saves gained Third Star.

All images by Lori Bolliger Photography