The Professional Women's Hockey League stopped by Alberta's capital on February 16th as the Toronto Sceptres took on the Ottawa Charge at Rogers Place to a crowd of over 17,000 fans. The 2:00 PM puck drop saw fans line up as early as 11:30 AM to see the players walk into the building.
An electric crowd filled the walls of Rogers Place, with many fans sporting PWHL jerseys from across the league, as well as many dads in their NHL gear with their daughters, and many young girls in their own team's jerseys.
I cannot begin to tell you just how special it was to be in that arena, to be walking the concourse and seeing all the young girls with their signs, with their faces painted and their jerseys on. You could feel it in the air and I had chills for most of the day.
Edmonton did not disappoint. Flags showcasing the players and the game were flown across the city, and upon driving into Edmonton, I was met with these purple flags along the streets. It wasn’t just the people of Edmonton who packed the building; Alberta showed up. I met with young girls from Calgary, Red Deer, and Lethbridge who traveled to see their idols on the ice, as well as moms and daughters making the drive up early in the morning. Signs filled the stands that displayed messages of thanks and hopes for the future.
The game itself was nail biting. An overtime win by the Sceptres, thanks to a wonderful wraparound goal courtesy of Daryl Watts. The 3-2 win featured all four regulation goals being scored on power plays. Both teams' special teams were on fire that day.
I spoke to many young girls about their excitement of the PWHL being in Edmonton and how important it was for them to see it and experience the atmosphere of a professional women’s hockey game.
As the PWHL continues its Takeover Tour across North America, these young girls will always remember this day as one of excitement and maybe even a look at potential opportunities for their futures.
Edited by Neha Grewal
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