Opening weekend of the 2022-23 Premier Hockey Federation season began on Saturday with three games on the schedule. Here’s a closer look at the highlights:
Montreal Force 5, Buffalo Beauts 4 SO
PHF history was made on Saturday as the Montreal Force earned their first ever victory, 5-4 in a shootout over the Buffalo Beauts. Ann-Sophie Bettez scored the first goal in franchise history and finished the game with a goal and an assist which was matched by Jade Downie-Landry and Sarah Lefort. Samantha Isbell scored the shootout winner in the eighth round, while goaltender Tricia Deguire stopped seven attempts. Claudia Kepler and Mikyla Grant-Mentis had multi-point performances for the Beauts, and Lovisa Berndtsson made 22 saves.
Minnesota Whitecaps 2, Toronto Six 3 OT
Brittany Howard powered the Toronto offense with three points including two goals, highlighted by the overtime winner in a 3-2 victory against the Minnesota Whitecaps. Captain Shiann Darkangelo also scored a goal and an assist for T6, while newcomer Natalie Snodgrass matched the output for the Whitecaps. Elaine Chuli stopped 25 of 27 shots she faced for the win opposite Amanda Leveille who turned aside 29.
Connecticut Whale 0, Boston Pride 4
Boston got the best of Connecticut in a rematch of the 2022 Isobel Cup Final, however it was a trio of newcomers who led the way in their PHF debuts. Loren Gabel scored two goals, Élizabeth Giguère scored once with an assist, and Corinne Schroeder stopped all 36 shots she faced. Abbie Ives stopped 37 shots in the Whale’s first regulation loss in regular season play dating back to November 21, 2021.
Cover Photo by Michael Hetzel / Buffalo Beauts
