Toronto Sceptres goaltender Kristen Campbell made a key save against Boston Fleet’s Theresa Schafzahl during the first period of their PWHL game on Friday, February 14, 2025. Rylind MacKinnon of the Sceptres provided defensive support in the play. The game took place in Toronto. (Photo: The Canadian Press/Arlyn McAdorey)
Toronto Sceptres goaltender Kristen Campbell hopes her latest victory marks the beginning of a strong second half in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) season. After a challenging start, Campbell stepped up with 16 saves in Toronto’s 3-1 win over the Boston Fleet on Friday night at Coca-Cola Coliseum. The game drew an enthusiastic crowd of 8,124 fans.
A key player in Toronto’s championship-winning season last year, Campbell led the league with 16 wins, including an 11-game streak. However, this season has been different, with Raygan Kirk taking over as the team’s primary goaltender. After securing only her third win of the season, Campbell is determined to regain her form.
"It's been a tough season," said Campbell, a native of Brandon, Manitoba. "I just wanted to focus on keeping things simple tonight."
Toronto’s Offence Delivers, Woods Scores Late Winner
Toronto opened the scoring when Emma Maltais slipped a shot past Boston goaltender Aerin Frankel in the first period. The Fleet responded early in the second with a sharp top-corner shot from defender Megan Keller, tying the game 1-1.
The Sceptres reclaimed the lead dramatically. With only 20 seconds left in the second period, Emma Woods fired in the game-winner, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The goal also triggered Toronto’s home-game promotion, where fans receive a free pizza if the team scores in the second period's final minute.
"They deserve it," Woods said about the fans. "They show up every game and bring the energy."
Toronto sealed the victory in the third period when Jesse Compher capitalized on a power-play opportunity, giving the Sceptres their third consecutive win and extending their point streak to six games.
Campbell Shines in Net, Sceptres Surge in Standings
The Sceptres controlled the pace, outshooting Boston 28-17 and limiting the Fleet to just three shots in the final period. Frankel, Boston’s star goaltender, entered the game on a five-game win streak with an impressive 1.16 goals-against average but faced relentless pressure from Toronto’s offence.
Campbell’s solid performance earned praise from head coach Troy Ryan. "She was confident and composed," he said. "With a packed schedule, it's great to have two strong goalies we can rely on."
Toronto, which sat at the bottom of the six-team league three weeks ago, has climbed to third place with a 6-1-4-6 record, four points ahead of Boston.
The Sceptres now head to Edmonton for a matchup against the Ottawa Charge before embarking on a three-game road trip to close out February.
Boston’s Late Push Falls Short
Boston’s offensive leader, Daryl Watts saw her five-game point streak snapped, but she remained a constant threat, recording a game-high six shots on goal. Her best chance came seconds after Woods’ goal, but Campbell and the Toronto defence held firm.
Boston head coach Courtney Kessel remained optimistic. "Next time we’re back here in the playoffs, we’ll take one," she said.
The home team has now won the last seven meetings between Toronto and Boston, setting the stage for an intense playoff showdown.
