DENVER — In an exciting matchup, Maggie Flaherty netted her first goal of the season, propelling Minnesota to a 4-2 victory over the Montréal Victoire at the Ball Arena, home of the Colorado Avalanche. This win marked a significant achievement, as it pushed the Frost into first place in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

The contest was part of the league’s ‘Takeover Tour,’ showcasing potential expansion sites, and attracted an impressive crowd of 14,018 spectators, setting a new attendance record for women’s hockey events in the United States.

Maddie Rooney, the goalkeeper for Minnesota, secured her league-leading fifth win by making 21 saves from 23 shots on goal. The Frost’s defense was bolstered by Sophie Jacques, who returned from injury to record both a goal and an assist, contributing significantly in her first game back after a five-game absence.

The game started with Montréal’s Catherine Dubois scoring early on, giving the Victoire a 1-0 lead in the opening period. However, the Frost responded when Britta Curl-Salemme tied the score at 1-1 midway through the first. Jacques then put Minnesota in front 2-1 with a goal on a power play in the second period. The Victoire fought back when Jennifer Gardiner equalized at 2-2, scoring on a power play that took an unexpected deflection off a Minnesota player.

As the third period unfolded without any goals for the first 13 minutes, the tension grew. Flaherty seized an opportunity from a misplaced pass and unleashed a powerful wrist shot, beating Montréal’s goalie Elaine Chuli to clinch the game-winning goal. In the final moments, Michela Cava extended Minnesota’s lead by firing a shot over Chuli’s shoulder, sealing the victory with an insurance goal.

Chuli, who was making her first start since December 21, put forth a strong effort, recording 25 saves despite the loss. Unfortunately for Montréal, the game was marred by an injury to one of its top scorers, Laura Stacey, who limped off the ice in the second period and did not return after being assisted to the locker room.

This thrilling match showcased the growing popularity of women’s hockey and highlighted the Frost’s strong start to their season.