The Toronto Sceptres started the 2025 Walter Cup playoffs with a show of force as they beat the Minnesota Frost 3-2.
Here are three takeaways from game one:
Sceptres find success offensively
Toronto was able to find their offensive stride at 5-on-5 against the Frost Wednesday night.
A big reason for this was the relentless forecheck of the Sceptres. This was especially true in the opening ten minutes of the game, where it kept Minnesota hemmed into their zone causing turnovers.
“I was so happy and proud of the way our team played as a group," said Troy Ryan. “I would put it up with our top couple of games that we've played. Got a complete effort from a lot of players."
The Sceptres' first goal of the game came in the last half of the first period as Blayre Turnbull found a wide open lane toward the net, waiting out Frost netminder Nicole Hensley before sliding the puck into the net.
In the second period, Julia Gosling’s shot was blocked but bounced right back, allowing her to rifle a shot above the glove of Hensley to extend the Sceptres' lead to two.
Shortly after, Gosling would strike again, this time on the power play to extend the Sceptres lead to three.
Net front play proves costly
The Sceptres' lack of awareness around the front of the net led to both of Minnesota’s goals in game one and allowed them to work their way back into the game.
On Minnesota’s first goal, none of the penalty killers were able to seal off the front of the net, allowing Britta Curl-Salemme to score on the rebound opportunity.
The lack of presence in front of the net also cost the Sceptres early in the third. After the Frost were able to generate some time on attack, Anna Kjellbin was not able to recover and pick up a streaking Katy Knoll before she could take advantage of another rebound opportunity.
Overall, the Sceptres were able to keep the Frost out of the slot and forced them to take low danger shots, but the second chance opportunities in front of the net need to be cleared to limit the opportunities they give their opponents.
Extra motivation from the core
Of course, every team and every player's goal is to win the Walter Cup, but after the core of Canadians came back from the World Championships, it feels like there has been more motivation in the group for this playoff run.
“We're competitors, and I don't think any of us wants to lose two things in one year,” said Turnbull. “Losing at worlds is maybe a driver in one way for us to try to enhance our performance throughout the playoffs, to try to win a Walter Cup.”
You could feel the sense of urgency from the beginning of the game with the leadership group, like Turnbull and Renata Fast, setting the tone for the Sceptres.
This motivation should help the Sceptres keep their foot on the gas throughout the playoff run.