The first fight in PWHL history between Jill Saulnier and Tereza Vanisova was a moment that will be remembered for years to come
It highlighted the league’s growing intensity, sparked debates about the role of fighting in women’s hockey, and even resulted in a historic Gordie Howe hat trick.
With the PWHL gaining momentum, the future looks bright. Whether fights become a regular part of the league or remain rare moments of passion, the intensity and skill on display will continue to draw fans in.
The Saulnier-Vanisova fight might have been unexpected, but it was a reminder that the PWHL is here to stay—and it’s only getting more exciting.
Boston’s 3-2 overtime win over Ottawa was a thrilling matchup that had everything—early dominance, a dramatic comeback, and a clutch overtime finish. While the Fleet walked away with the victory, both teams showed why they are exciting contenders in the PWHL.
With the season in full swing, fans can expect more high-intensity matchups as teams continue to battle for playoff positioning. This game was just another reminder of how competitive and entertaining the league has become.
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Jill Saulnier: PWHL’s First-Ever Fight
A Historic Moment in Women’s Hockey
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) witnessed its first-ever fight on Thursday night between Boston Fleet’s Jill Saulnier and Ottawa Charge’s Tereza Vanisova.1
While many hockey fans were focused on the 4 Nations Face-Off final between Canada and the United States, this moment in the PWHL added a new layer of excitement to the growing league.
The altercation was not just a rare sight in women’s hockey but also a moment that showcased the fierce competitive spirit of the players.
Below, we dive into the details of the fight, the reaction from fans and analysts, and the potential impact on the future of the league.
— jill saulnier (@jill_saulnier) March 15, 2022
The Fight That Made History
The incident occurred in the third period of Boston’s 3–2 overtime victory against Ottawa. The game was already intense when Saulnier checked Vanisova along the boards, knocking her stick away.
As Vanisova regained her footing, Saulnier continued to put pressure on her. In response, Vanisova grabbed Saulnier’s stick and tossed it onto the ice.
That moment sparked the historic brawl. Both players dropped their gloves and engaged in a flurry of punches—something rarely seen in professional women’s hockey.
The referees intervened, penalizing both players for roughing, but the fight had already made its mark in PWHL history.
Jill Saulnier: Reactions from Fans and Analysts
The fight immediately caught the attention of hockey fans and analysts.2
PWHL insider Melissa Burgess shared a video of the fight on X, emphasizing its significance:
“The first legitimate fight in the #PWHL. 🥊 … Boston’s Jill Saulnier & @PWHL_Ottawa’s Tereza Vanisova square off.”
The Boston Fleet’s official account also reacted with enthusiasm:
“IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE! 🌶️ Saulnier and OTT’s Vanišová head to the box with double minor penalties for roughing.”
The reaction from fans was mixed—some celebrated the moment as a sign of the PWHL’s growing intensity, while others debated whether fighting should be encouraged in women’s hockey.
Vanisova’s Historic Gordie Howe Hat Trick
Beyond the fight, Vanisova’s performance in the game was exceptional. She assisted on a goal in the third period and later scored the game-tying goal in the final seconds of regulation.
This earned her a rare and historic achievement—a Gordie Howe hat trick, which consists of a goal, an assist, and a fight in a single game.
The Ottawa Charge celebrated Vanisova’s feat, posting:
“Vanisova is our second star of the night! #FeelTheSurge | #OTTvBOS.”
This moment not only highlighted her offensive abilities but also her willingness to stand her ground physically.
How Fighting is Viewed in Women’s Hockey
Unlike in men’s professional leagues, fighting is far less common in women’s hockey.
The NCAA and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) have stricter rules against fighting, often resulting in game misconduct penalties or suspensions.
The PWHL follows similar guidelines, which is why this altercation was officially ruled as roughing rather than an actual fight.
However, some fans argue that physical play adds excitement and should be more accepted in women’s hockey.
Others worry that allowing fighting could overshadow the skill-based nature of the game.
Jill Saulnier: Will Fighting Become More Common?
Fighting has long been a controversial but accepted part of the NHL. Enforcers have historically played a key role in protecting teammates and shifting momentum in games.3
However, in recent years, the NHL has reduced the role of enforcers, favoring speed and skill over brute force.
If the PWHL follows a similar trajectory, fights will likely remain rare but could still happen in heated moments.
With this being the league’s first-ever fight, it will be interesting to see if the league enforces stricter discipline or allows some leeway for future physical altercations.
The PWHL has been growing in popularity, and moments like this can boost fan engagement. The inaugural season ended with the Minnesota Frost winning the Walter Cup, and now, the league is gaining more recognition for its intense and competitive play.
While some purists may not support fighting, others see it as a sign that the league is becoming more intense and attracting a broader audience. The incident between Saulnier and Vanisova might even draw new fans who enjoy the physical side of hockey.
What’s Next for Saulnier and Vanisova?
- After the fight, both players were given minor penalties but avoided major disciplinary action. However, this moment may add extra intensity to future matchups between Boston and Ottawa.
- Saulnier, a veteran forward, has always played with a gritty style, while Vanisova has proven to be a key offensive weapon for Ottawa.
- Their rivalry could make future games between these teams must-watch events.
- This historic fight raises an important question: will the PWHL reconsider its stance on fighting?
- While the league’s rules currently discourage it, the reaction from fans and media suggests that some level of physicality is appreciated.
- If fights remain rare but organic, they could add an extra layer of excitement to the league without overshadowing the high-level skill of the players.
- However, if fights become too frequent, the PWHL may need to step in with stricter enforcement.
The Role of Physical Play in Women’s Hockey
Even without fighting, women’s hockey is known for its physicality. Body checking is not allowed under standard IIHF rules, but physical battles along the boards, strong forechecking, and aggressive puck battles are common.
Players like Vanisova and Saulnier exemplify the toughness required to succeed at the highest level. Their fight may have been unexpected, but it was a reflection of the passion and intensity that defines professional hockey.
The Saulnier-Vanisova fight was more than just an altercation—it was a defining moment for the PWHL. It showcased the league’s competitive spirit, sparked debates about the role of fighting in women’s hockey, and brought increased attention to the league.
As the PWHL continues to grow, moments like this will help shape its identity. Whether or not fighting becomes more accepted, one thing is certain: the league’s intensity is reaching new heights.
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Jill Saulnier: Boston Takes Early Control
Boston started strong, taking control of the game in the first period. Eight minutes into the match, forward Theresa Schafzahl found the back of the net, giving the Fleet an early 1-0 advantage.
The goal came from a well-placed shot after a crisp passing sequence that caught Ottawa’s defense off guard.
As the period progressed, Boston extended their lead. Alina Müller capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity, scoring a crucial goal that put the Fleet ahead 2-0.
Ottawa struggled to generate offense against Boston’s aggressive play, and by the end of the first period, the Fleet looked firmly in control.
The second period saw a much stronger defensive effort from Ottawa, as they tightened up their game to prevent Boston from extending their lead. Goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer made key saves to keep the Charge within striking distance, frustrating Boston’s forwards.
Despite some promising scoring chances, Ottawa couldn’t find a way past Boston’s Aerin Frankel, who stood tall between the pipes. The Fleet continued to push forward but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, leaving the score at 2-0 heading into the final period.
Late-Game Drama Unfolds
With time running out in the third period, Ottawa increased their offensive intensity.
Their persistence finally paid off when forward Iveta Klimášová set up Vanisova, who assisted Ronja Savolainen on a power-play goal with just four minutes left in regulation.
The crowd erupted as Ottawa pulled within one goal, shifting the momentum in their favor.
With the final seconds ticking away, Ottawa pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. The pressure mounted on Boston’s defense, and with less than three seconds remaining, Vanisova delivered a clutch game-tying goal.
The Charge’s late surge stunned Boston, forcing the game into overtime.
Despite Ottawa’s dramatic comeback, Boston remained composed in overtime. Just minutes into the extra period, Susanna Tapani broke free on a breakaway and buried the game-winning goal past Maschmeyer.
Tapani’s goal secured Boston’s third consecutive win and silenced the Ottawa crowd. Meanwhile, Aerin Frankel finished the game with 21 saves, playing a crucial role in keeping the Fleet ahead when it mattered most.
Jill Saulnier: Boston’s Winning Streak Continues
With this victory, the Fleet extended their winning streak to three games. Their ability to build early leads and maintain composure in critical moments has been a defining factor in their recent success.
Boston’s offensive depth was on display once again, with multiple players stepping up to contribute. Schafzahl, Müller, and Tapani all played key roles in securing the win, demonstrating the team’s balanced attack.
The Fleet’s ability to score early and set the tempo has been a significant advantage. In this game, their early two-goal lead forced Ottawa to play catch-up for most of the night.
While Ottawa’s late-game push was impressive, their slow start cost them. Finding ways to generate offense earlier in games will be crucial moving forward.
Frankel continues to be a difference-maker for Boston. Her steady presence in net gives the Fleet a strong foundation to build on.
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Susanna Tapani Delivers in Big Moments
Tapani’s overtime winner showcased her ability to step up when it matters most. Her composure under pressure was key in securing the win for Boston.
The Fleet will aim to continue their winning streak in their upcoming games. Their strong team chemistry and consistent performances make them a tough opponent for any team in the league. If they can maintain their early-game dominance and close out games more effectively, they will remain a top contender.
Ottawa, despite the loss, proved they have the talent and resilience to compete with the league’s best. They will look to bounce back in their next game by addressing their slow starts and building off their strong third-period performance.
Although the Charge came up short, their performance highlighted their resilience and never-give-up attitude.
Despite trailing 2-0 for most of the game, they fought back in the final minutes, showing their offensive capabilities and determination.
Vanisova, who played a key role in both of Ottawa’s goals, was one of the standout performers. Her game-tying goal with just seconds left in regulation showcased her ability to deliver in clutch situations. However, Ottawa will need to work on their early-game execution to avoid playing from behind in future matchups.
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