In an astonishing display of athletic prowess, Grace Zumwinkle netted the first hat trick in the Professional Women's Hockey League, leading Minnesota to a triumphant 3-0 win over Montreal last Saturday. The home opener for Minnesota was not just a victory on the ice, but also in the stands, as reported by CBS News, the team played before a record-breaking crowd of 13,316 at the Xcel Energy Center, shattering the previous high water mark of 8,318 spectators.
Maddie Rooney, guarding the net like a modern-day gladiator, recorded a shutout, while Zumwinkle's striking performance on the home ice dazzled the fans. Having scored a goal already in the season opener, the Excelsior native continued her scoring spree against the visiting team, leaving Montreal's goaltender, and 2022 Canadian gold medalist, Ann-Renée Desbiens, struggling to fend off her attacks. Zumwinkle's third-period score, slicing through the defense, swelling Minnesota's lead, as noted by KSL.com.
Despite Montreal pushing the pace early on and spending a solid amount of time on power plays, it was Minnesota that held the scoreboard. The home team's defense held strong, while opponents might have fancied their chances against a relentless Minnesota front line; Rooney and her stalwarts proved unbreachable, giving Montreal no quarter.
With the shuttering performances on both ends of the ice by Minnesota's Zumwinkle and Rooney, the game culminated in a shutout that will be long-remembered. Montreal will be looking to rebound in their next match against New York and vie for a better outcome after failing to convert on their numerous opportunities, as per CBS News. Minnesota is set to carry their momentum into their upcoming matchup with Toronto on Wednesday, holding court once more in their stronghold, Xcel Energy Center.
