After losing 4-3 in overtime in their first game ever at the Vancouver Goldeneyes on Nov. 21, the Seattle Torrent took the ice at Climate Pledge Arena for the first time on Black Friday in a midday game against the two-time PWHL champions, the Minnesota Frost. Both teams were seeking their first win of the season, having each recorded a one-goal loss on opening day.

Despite the workday (for most people) puck drop, over 16,000 fans were in attendance, shattering the previous American record for professional women’s hockey by more than a thousand. Even with a disappointing 3-0 loss, the fans showed up throughout the game, cheering to the bitter end for their new franchise and even sticking around to applaud a stick salute from the Torrent players.

Though the scoreline didn’t reflect it, the game was exciting and engaging, featuring two well-matched opponents. All the fans I spoke with, even those who had never attended a hockey game before, had a great time. They thought the team looked good, played fun, fast, and physical, and shared that they would definitely be back.

Torrent vs. Frost game recap

Period 1

The Torrent started the game looking much sharper than in their 4-3 season-opening loss last week in Vancouver. Passes were connecting, and by my eye test, the Torrent enjoyed a majority of possession. Torrent goalie Corrine Schroeder made some good saves, although an unlucky deflection from a Kelly Pannek shot late in the period put the Frost up 1-0.

Period 2

Momentum shifted slightly in the second period, with the Frost increasing their time in the offensive zone. The game got a bit chippier in the second, and the Torrent had to go on the penalty kill twice, but their PK kept the Frost off the board, blocking numerous shots while Schroeder handled the rest.

Period 3

The Torrent had their chance on the power play early in the third period. Both power-play units appeared confident and in control but couldn’t get anything past Frost netminder Nicole Hensley, who was outstanding in the game.

A turnover in the neutral zone led to a second goal from Pannek. Minutes later, Grace Zumwinkle found a loose puck during another Minnesota power play to round out the Frost’s scoring. The end of the game was even more physical, with Seattle’s Megan Carter tussling with Minnesota’s Britta Curl. The two have a history; Curl was suspended for a game last season after elbowing Carter in the head. The Torrent never gave up and had some great looks late but couldn’t solve Hensley, who robbed Hilary Knight in the closing minutes. Late in the final frame, Danielle Serdachny blocked two shots to prevent the Frost from scoring on an empty net, earning herself the third star of the game.

Post-game thoughts

After the game, Frost forward and first star of the night Kelly Pannek, who played in a rivalry series game at CPA, spoke about playing in Seattle again and being in front of a record-setting crowd. “We knew once this market was announced they were going to have great fan support… It’s exciting to play in buildings like that; the fans are engaged, they’re loud.”

Torrent coach Steve O’Rourke spoke highly of his players’ efforts and noted their improvement since their first game. He emphasized that they played well for the first two periods and fed off the energy in the building. His team generated a “good quantity of chances, but probably not enough quality.” O’Rourke expressed disappointment with the result but felt that the team’s identity was strengthened and that they have a clear direction as they move forward this season.

Knight, who arrived at the game in a bedazzled Sue Bird jersey, understood the gravity of the moment, calling it a dream come true and a “pinch-me moment” (though, if I can be honest, I think she was most excited that Brandi Carlile was there). Knight was impressed by the team’s start, getting lots of shots on goal, and playing tough and physical. She praised the crowd’s dedication to the new team, cheering until the very end, even when the game was all but lost. “You can really ride that; it’s a huge advantage to be able to play at home when you’ve got a crowd that’s as electric as our fans.”

Seattle’s own Marah Wagner also spoke. She played in Sweden last year and made the team after a camp invite. General manager Meghan Turner spoke about her pre-game: “She’s an easy one to talk about… she came to camp prepared. Her skill set was there, but her compete was really incredible. She fit right in, didn’t look nervous, dove in, and worked hard. She embodies the identity of a competitive, hardworking group.”

Wagner was awestruck by the night. She never thought anything like this would become a reality in Seattle. Many little girls were in attendance with ‘Coach Marah’ signs, having attended her local hockey camp. Wagner is also hopeful about the Torrent’s progress. “We have been taking tremendous steps every day; we are showing up to practice and battling to the end, and we are pushing each other every day.”

Notes and notions

Injury update: defender Aneta Tejralová is still out day-to-day with a lower-body injury, while forward Jenna Buglioni is also day-to-day.

Rookie defender Lyndie Lobdell spoke to the press on Sunday after practice. Friday was her first-ever PWHL game. She credited her off-season training for her success so far this season and acknowledged her blue line teammates for helping her adjust to the team, city, and the increased speed and physicality of PWHL gameplay.

She, too, mostly had positive things to share from the game, expressing her shock and awe at looking up in CPA and seeing it filled with fans. The one thing she wanted fans to know is that she’s really nice and loves to meet people: “So if you see me, come say hi!”

The team had a more low-key practice and focused heavily on shooting and tips, obviously hoping to avoid being shut out again in Wednesday’s home game against the 2-1 New York Sirens.