Katie Chan, a 22-year-old forward from Richmond, B.C., who recently played hockey overseas, showcased her skills by scoring her first PWHL goal in a thrilling match that saw the Vancouver Goldeneyes triumph over the Ottawa Charge with a 2-1 victory. The winning goal came when Hannah Miller’s shot was deflected by Charge goalie Gwyneth Philips, only for Chan to capitalize on the rebound, scoring from mid-air to give Vancouver an early lead just under 8 minutes into the game.
Chan, still in disbelief, described the moment as surreal, emphasizing the significance of scoring her first goal in front of a hometown crowd. The Vancouver team, now standing at 3-3-0-0, saw contributions from local players such as Miller from North Vancouver, and Jenn Gardiner from Surrey, who netted the second goal early in the second period.
Jenn Gardiner, a top-line forward for the Goldeneyes, displayed her talent by intercepting a puck in the neutral zone, outmaneuvering a Charge defender, and scoring her second goal of the season with a shot that hit the crossbar. Gardiner expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to play in front of friends and family, highlighting the bright future of female hockey in British Columbia.
Despite uncertainties surrounding her inclusion in the team’s debut season, Chan’s strong performance during training camp earned her a spot on the roster, impressing head coach Brian Idalski with her reliability and smart gameplay. Kristen Campbell, the Goldeneyes’ goaltender, made 33 saves in her first win with the team, showcasing her talent and enthusiasm after joining Vancouver from Toronto.
The Ottawa Charge, on the other hand, extended their losing streak to three games, with head coach Carla MacLeod acknowledging the competitive nature of the league where any team can emerge victorious on a given night. Despite the recent outcomes, MacLeod emphasized the mutual respect among teams in the league, highlighting the unpredictable and challenging nature of PWHL matchups.
