What a night it was last night with a sold-out crowd of 10,438 fans for PWHL Halifax hockey history as the league’s first-ever game in Nova Scotia was played.
There were thousands of young girls in the stands dreaming of becoming the next Blayre Turnbull of Stellarton or Allie Munroe of Yarmouth on the Toronto Sceptres, both ladies received thunderous applause when I introduced them in the starting lineup, Allie took the opening ceremonial faceoff, insisted by Blayre, a nice gesture. Normally the captain takes the faceoff.
Other local connections: Spryfield’s Troy Ryan on the Toronto bench with former Mooseheads Coach Jim Midgley, plus Kori Cheverie on the Montreal bench coaching.
There were signs in the crowd saying Halifax wants a team and there were crowd chants of “WE WANT A TEAM!”
Shoutout to my son Drake’s officiating pals Shauna Neary from Antigonish and Sophie Thomson of Halifax who got a loud round of applause when I introduced them.
So great to get caught up with Kenzie Lalonde and Cheryl Pounder of TSN, proud of ya Kenz, who once called Mooseheads games on Eastlink just a couple of years ago.
Cheryl was here in 2004 and won gold with Team Canada at the World Women’s.
Montreal won the game 2-1 in a 5-round shootout with Marie Phillip Poulin the Victoire Captain netting the only goal in a goalie duel.
It was a perfect display for Halifax to be a strong contender to be the next location for a PWHL expansion team!
Deedee Austin sang O Canada and was awesome!
Player arrival above.
Next up January 11th, Ottawa and Boston here in Moose Country!
On a personal note, it was a honour for me to be called up from the Halifax Mooseheads and announce the game the PWHL game last night.
If Halifax was to get a team, what should we call it?
-Ian
Credits: Ian Robinson and Ryan MacDonald photos
