Women’s hockey-record crowd of 19,285 sees Toronto defeat Montreal 3-0 in PWHL

TORONTO (AP) — Kristen Campbell made 30 saves in front of a women’s hockey-record crowd of 19,285 fans at Scotiabank Arena as Toronto beat Montreal 3-0 on Friday night in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

“The Battle on Bay Street” broke the attendance record of 18,013 set at the 2013 World Championships in Ottawa, Ontario for a preliminary round game between Canada and Finland. Minnesota set the previous PWHL mark of 13,316 for its home opener against Montreal in January. , 6 at Excel Energy Center.

Jessie Compher, Hannah Miller and Victoria Bach scored into an empty net in the third period to help Toronto (6-5-0) earn its fourth straight win. Ann-Rene Desbiens stopped 21 shots for Montreal (6-2-2).

Comper opened the scoring with a shot over Desbiens’ shoulder at 5:11 of the third minute. Miller made it 2-0 with a wrist shot between Desbiens’ legs with 4:39 remaining. Bach scored with 4:07 remaining, following up with Desbiens for an extra attacker.

Canadian women’s basketball team star Kia Nurse, cousin of PWHL Toronto star Sarah Nurse, performed the ceremonial puck drop.

Montreal: Hosts Minnesota on Sunday.

Toronto: Hosts New York on Friday, Feb. 23.

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