Sirens Sound On Home Ice As New York Beats Toronto

NEWARK, NJ -- Almost three weeks after puck drop on the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL)'s second season, the New York Sirens finally received their pomp and circumstance in front of an exuberant crowd at the Prudential Center on Wednesday night.

The last team to play a home opener, the Sirens made the wait worth it as the hosts sent their fans home deliriously happy with a resounding 4-2 victory over the Toronto Sceptres. It was New York's third win (second in regulation) in their first four games this season and moved them up to eight points in the standings.

After a scoreless and evenly contested first period, the Sirens went full throttle during a dominant second period in which they blistered The Rock -- as the Prudential Center in known -- with a four-goal outburst. From the outset, New York was a constant presence in the 'O' zone and capitalized on virtually every mistake made by Toronto, which suffered its third straight loss.

New York's tenacity paid off just under three minutes into the middle frame. Noora Tulus, perfectly positioned in the low slot to Campbell's left, converted a perfect feed from Alex Carpenter to put New York ahead 1-0.

It was Tulus' first goal of her PWHL career, and continued impressive point streaks for Carpenter and Fillier. New York's dynamic duo have now combined for 12 points already in the 2024-25 season.

New York extended its lead to 2-0 at the 7:17 mark as Emmy Fecteau knocked home a rebound past Campbell as she also recorded her first career PWHL goal. Jade Downie-Landry and Chloe Aurard earned the assists.

But the Sirens weren't finished crashing the net and winning puck battles to the loud approval of their supporters in Newark.

Less than a minute later on the power play, Micah Zandee-Hart made it 3-0 after converting a one-timer that beat Campbell to the glove side. Jesse Eldridge and Abby Roque contributed the helpers that allowed the Sirens' captain to record her first goal this season.

Then late in the second period and on a two-player advantage, Jamie Bourbonnais finished great puck movement by Maja Nylen Persson and Elizabeth Giguere (assists to both) with a blast past Campbell for a 4-0 cushion heading into the final 20 minutes. Like the other three Sirens' goals, it was Bourbonnais' first this season.

The Sirens, who arguably played their best period of hockey in team history, outshot Toronto 14-6 in the second period.

The Sceptres broke into the scoring column early in the third period to cut the deficit to 4-1. Hannah Miller struck from in close for her second goal of the season off assists from Renata Fast and Emma Woods. It was Fast's fourth helper of the campaign, while Woods was competing for the first time against her former team.

The visitors added a meaningless goal with just 33.7 seconds left as Woods scored for her second point of the game, Her tally was assisted by Hannah Miller and Kali Flanagan.

Schroeder, who was making her fourth straight start for New York between the pipes, handled some tough shots over her first two shutout periods as the Sirens outshot Toronto 22-13. Campbell, meanwhile, was equally up to the first-period task for the Sceptres, who held a very slight advantage in quality rushes that period.

Packer In The Spotlight

Former New York Sirens' (PWHL) and Metropolitan Riveters' (Premier Hockey Federation) player Madison Packer was in attendance and given a rousing video tribute during a first-period intermission. Packer, who announced her retirement Nov. 23, played nine professional seasons including eight as a member of the PHF Riveters.

Longtime Riveters' fan Jonathan Bass, who resides in Teaneck, N.J., was overjoyed that a player he followed throughout her career was recognized for her outstanding achievements.

"Being a black hockey fan and following her all these years has been pretty cool," Bass said. "She has given a voice to the voiceless not only in the hockey community but also throughout her life. I'm so happy for her; the video tribute allows her to get the flowers she so deserves."

Of Note

For the first time in Sirens history, Newark, NJ Mayor Ras Baraka activated the newly named 'Sound the Siren' horn...The Sirens played in front of their home fans for the first time since a 4-3 win over Ottawa on April 30...Toronto spoiled New York’s home opener last season at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, CT with a 3-2 win, which also featured the PWHL’s first shorthanded 'Jailbreak' Goal, scored by Emma Maltais.