Detroit witnessed a historic moment in the realm of professional women’s hockey this past Saturday. Fans came in droves, setting a new attendance record for a women’s hockey game in the United States.
A staggering 13,736 enthusiasts filled the seats at Little Caesars Arena, eager to watch the face-off between the Ottawa and Boston teams. This turnout surpassed the previous record, which was established during a game between Minnesota and Montréal on January 6, with 13,316 attendees.
Megan Keller, a defender for Boston and Michigan native, shared her excitement about playing in such an electrifying atmosphere. “Playing in front of such a supportive crowd was truly special. Bringing the Professional Women’s Hockey League to Michigan and hopefully inspiring many young girls in the audience is something I’m incredibly proud of,” she said.
The game kicked off with Boston’s Hilary Knight scoring an early goal, putting her team ahead. However, Ottawa’s Emily Clark leveled the score in the first period. The game remained tightly contested, with both teams ending with 26 shots each.
Boston’s head coach, Courtney Kessel, commented on the game’s intensity. “The game was highly physical, but we managed to match Ottawa’s energy, especially in overtime. We were fortunate to push the game into a shootout and ultimately secure the win,” she explained.
The intense match concluded with Boston emerging victorious over Ottawa with a 2-1 score after a nail-biting shootout.
Ottawa’s head coach, Carla MacLeod, remained optimistic despite the loss. “Every game is crucial in this league. We’re continuously improving and building momentum. I have no doubt that our efforts will yield better results as we move forward,” she stated.
This memorable game not only marked a significant achievement in attendance but also showcased the growing enthusiasm and support for women’s hockey in the United States.