Kiara Zanon lifts Toronto over two-time defending champion Minnesota 2-1 in PWHL season opener
In a stunning opening night upset that felt more like a championship statement than a mere season debut, rookie Kiara Zanon delivered a dagger to the heart of a dynasty, lifting the Toronto Sceptres to a gritty 2-1 victory over the two-time defending champion Minnesota Frost. The atmosphere in St.Paul was electric, charged with the expectation of another Frost coronation, but Toronto, playing with the relentless energy of a team with everything to prove, systematically dismantled that narrative. Minnesota’s captain, the legendary Kendall Coyne Schofield, seemed to script the perfect start, electrifying the home crowd just four minutes in with a clinical finish, assisted by Kelly Pannek and Britta Curl-Salemme—a play that screamed championship pedigree.Yet, the Sceptres, unfazed, demonstrated a resilience that would become their hallmark for the evening. Ella Shelton’s equalizer late in the first period, facilitated by the dynamic Natalie Spooner and Savannah Harmon, wasn't just a goal; it was a declaration that Toronto would not be intimidated, swinging the momentum and setting the stage for a tense, tactical battle.The game evolved into a goaltending masterclass, with Minnesota's Maddie Rooney, a wall in her own right, turning away 31 shots, but it was Toronto's Raygan Kirk who authored the final, crucial chapter. The game-winner came not from a seasoned veteran, but from the stick of Zanon, a newcomer whose third-period goal at 5:14, again orchestrated by the brilliant Spooner alongside Emma Maltais, showcased a poise beyond her years.The final 32 seconds were a heart-pounding symphony of pressure, with Kirk standing tall to deny Dominique Petrie and Sidney Morin in rapid succession, preserving the win with a total of 19 saves and cementing her status as the night's unsung hero. The context of this victory cannot be overstated.Minnesota embarked on its title defense crucially shorthanded, missing the defensive core of Claire Thompson and Sophie Jaques, who now anchor the blue line for the expansion Vancouver Goldeneyes. Their absence was palpable, creating a vulnerability that a savvy, well-prepared Toronto squad exploited with precision.This result immediately reshapes the early-season landscape of the now eight-team Professional Women's Hockey League, sending a clear message that the established hierarchy is under threat. For Toronto, this is more than two points; it’s a foundational win, a confidence-builder that proves they can go into the lion’s den and slay the giant.For Minnesota, it’s a stark reminder that past glory guarantees nothing, and the road to a three-peat will be fraught with new, hungry challengers. The Frost must now regroup quickly for a daunting trip to face the Seattle Torrent, while the Sceptres, riding this wave of momentum, prepare to host the Boston Fleet. In a league striving for parity and dramatic storylines, this opening-night clash delivered a perfect narrative: the rise of a new contender and the vulnerability of a reigning champion, a script that even the most seasoned hockey analysts would be hard-pressed to predict.
#Kiara Zanon
#Toronto Sceptres
#Minnesota Frost
#PWHL
#season opener
#hockey
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