Amanda Pelkey’s decisive 3-2 overtime goal adds a bittersweet ending to Montreal’s otherwise historic PWHL home opener.

With the arena lights dimmed and the waving of rally towels in full swing, a historic moment unfolded for women’s hockey on a Saturday afternoon at Verdun Auditorium in Montreal. 

Pioneering players including Danielle Goyette, France St-Louis, Kim St-Pierre, Caroline Ouellette, and Danièle Sauvageau were honoured at the ceremonial face-off between captains Marie-Philip Poulin and Hilary Knight of PWHL Montreal and Boston.

“They’ve paved the way for all of us,” Poulin said. “They did a lot for women’s hockey across Canada, but especially here in Quebec. And having that standing ovation for these ladies is unbelievable.”

After some first period jitters, the middle frame transformed into an exciting roller coaster ride. Montreal defender Erin Ambrose set the tone early, wiring in a wrist shot from the point for her first of the season. Before the goal could be announced, forward Laura Stacey doubled the lead with a one-timer from her knee. Stacey celebrated with a fist pump to the crowd, sparking a burst of cheers.

“It was kind of all a blur,” Stacey said. “It was just two minutes filled with a lot of emotions that I think our bench and this arena felt.”

The momentum intensified when Montreal earned their first power play with Boston forward Taylor Girard deflating any chemistry that the unit developed, springing free for a shorthanded goal and ending the special teams play.

“It was going to be an emotional day,” said Montreal head coach Kori Cheverie. “We need to make sure that we’re not getting too high or too low. After that second goal, we probably got a little too high.”

After a scoreless third period with both teams exchanging chances and heavy hits, five minutes of overtime was underway.

Known as Captain Clutch for her ability to score in the biggest moments, Poulin appeared to deliver again just seconds into the extra frame but the goal was disallowed due to goalie interference. Overtime continued for two minutes before Boston forward Amanda Pelkey netted the game-winner, spoiling Montreal’s home opener for the 3-2 Boston win.

“It’s always special to come back to this rink,” Pelkey said. “I was really excited to just come and play in front of the fans because I know you guys are going to bring it every time.”

Despite the loss, chants of “Montreal” erupted throughout the crowd, creating a spirited atmosphere as the home team observed the scene.

“When you win, it’s easy to stand by you,” Poulin said. “But when you lose and having the people in the stands cheering us on, it meant a lot. It just shows how special it is to play in Montreal.”

With the point, Montreal now carries a 2-1-1 record as the team gets set to host New York at Place Bell on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.