Kirk backstops Toronto Sceptres to 4-2 win over Boston Fleet
The Toronto Sceptres emerged victorious with a 4-2 win against the Boston Fleet, thanks to goals from Blayre Turnbull and Jess Kondas in their first goals of the season. Rookie goalie Raygan Kirk stood tall, stopping 26 shots to secure her first Professional Women’s Hockey League victory and snap a four-game losing streak for the Sceptres in front of a crowd of 8,264 at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Emma Woods extended Toronto’s lead with a goal late in the game, and Kali Flanagan sealed the win with an empty-netter. Despite a late goal from Loren Gabel and Hannah Bilka, the Fleet’s two-game win streak came to an end. Toronto outshot Boston 30-28, with Aerin Frankel making 26 saves for the visitors.
The Sceptres took an early lead with power-play goals from Turnbull and Kondras, who made her PWHL debut after being signed from the reserve player list to fill in for Rylind MacKinnon’s suspension. Gabel managed to pull one back for Boston on the power play before Woods’ goal restored Toronto’s two-goal cushion.
Notable absences included star player Natalie Spooner, who missed her sixth consecutive game while recovering from knee surgery. Boston showcased their strong power play, converting two of their opportunities to maintain a league-leading 4-for-10 record in five games.
A key moment in the game came when Kirk made a crucial save on Theresa Schafzahl to preserve Toronto’s lead in the third period. Toronto defender Renta Fast continued her impressive form with an assist in her sixth consecutive game this season.
Looking ahead, Boston is set to face the Montreal Victoire, while Toronto will host the Ottawa Charge on New Year’s Eve. The Sceptres will aim to build on their recent victory and continue their momentum in the upcoming games.
