Seattle Torrent Fall in Home Debut, But the Energy at Climate Pledge Arena Signals Something Bigger
The Seattle Torrent may still be searching for their first win, but if Friday afternoon’s home opener was any indication, they’ve already found something just as important: a city ready to rally behind them.
In front of a record-setting crowd of over 16,000 fans-yes, on a workday afternoon-Seattle took the ice at Climate Pledge Arena for the first time in franchise history, facing off against the two-time PWHL champion Minnesota Frost. The result on the scoreboard wasn’t what the Torrent hoped for, falling 3-0, but the atmosphere? That was a win in every sense.
Let’s break it down.
A Packed House, a Tough Opponent, and a Glimpse of What’s to Come
First things first: this wasn’t your average expansion team home opener. The Torrent weren’t just playing their first game at home-they were doing it against one of the league’s most decorated teams in the Minnesota Frost. And they weren’t just facing a championship-caliber opponent-they were doing it under the bright lights of a sold-out, roaring crowd that shattered the previous U.S. attendance record for professional women’s hockey.
Despite the final scoreline, the game itself had all the ingredients of a high-level, competitive matchup. Seattle didn’t back down.
They played fast, physical hockey, and fans-many of whom were attending their first-ever hockey game-were on their feet until the final horn. That’s the kind of energy you can build a franchise around.
Game Recap: A Tale of Missed Chances and Growing Chemistry
First Period
Seattle came out looking sharper than they did in their 4-3 overtime loss in Vancouver just days earlier. Puck movement was crisper, passes were connecting, and they controlled much of the early possession.
Goaltender Corrine Schroeder was solid between the pipes, but a late-period deflection off a Kelly Pannek shot gave Minnesota the 1-0 lead. It was a tough break in an otherwise encouraging opening frame.
Second Period
The Frost began to tilt the ice a bit in the second. They spent more time in Seattle’s zone, and the physicality ramped up.
The Torrent were tested on the penalty kill twice, and they held strong-blocking shots, clearing pucks, and leaning on Schroeder to keep it a one-goal game. It was a gritty, bend-but-don’t-break effort that showed this team isn’t afraid to battle.
Third Period
Seattle had their chance to shift momentum with a power play early in the third. Both units looked confident, but Minnesota’s Nicole Hensley was locked in all afternoon. The Torrent generated good looks, but Hensley turned them all away-including a highlight-reel robbery of Hilary Knight late in the game.
A neutral-zone turnover led to Pannek’s second goal of the day, and Grace Zumwinkle added a third on the power play after a scramble in front. The physicality continued to escalate, with Megan Carter and Britta Curl getting into it-no surprise, given their history.
Even down three, Seattle kept pushing. Danielle Serdachny blocked two shots in the final minutes to prevent an empty-netter, earning herself the third star of the game.
It was a small moment, but one that spoke volumes about the team’s compete level.
Postgame Reflections: More Than Just a Scoreboard
After the game, Pannek spoke glowingly about the crowd, calling the atmosphere electric and acknowledging just how loud and engaged the Seattle fans were. “We knew once this market was announced they were going to have great fan support,” she said. “It’s exciting to play in buildings like that.”
Seattle head coach Steve O’Rourke echoed that sentiment. He liked what he saw from his team through the first two periods and praised their ability to feed off the building’s energy.
“We generated a good quantity of chances,” he said, “but probably not enough quality.” Still, he felt the team took a step forward-not just in execution, but in identity.
Hilary Knight, who showed up in a bedazzled Sue Bird jersey and left it all on the ice, called it a “pinch-me moment.” She recognized the significance of the day-not just for the Torrent, but for the sport.
“You can really ride that,” she said of the crowd. “It’s a huge advantage to be able to play at home when you’ve got a crowd that’s as electric as our fans.”
A Hometown Hero and a Team Taking Shape
One of the standout moments of the day came off the ice. Seattle native Marah Wagner, who earned her roster spot after a camp invite and spent last season playing in Sweden, was visibly moved by the experience.
“We’ve been taking tremendous steps every day,” she said. “We’re showing up to practice and battling to the end.”
Before the game, general manager Meghan Turner spoke about Wagner’s impact. “She came to camp prepared.
Her skill set was there, but her compete was really incredible,” Turner said. “She embodies the identity of a competitive, hardworking group.”
Wagner’s impact goes beyond the rink. Several young girls in the stands held up handmade signs for “Coach Marah,” a nod to her local hockey camp. It’s that kind of connection-between players and fans-that builds something lasting.
Around the Rink: Injury Updates and Rookie Moments
Seattle was without defender Aneta Tejralová and forward Jenna Buglioni, both listed as day-to-day with lower-body injuries. Their absence was felt, but it also opened the door for others to step up.
Rookie defender Lyndie Lobdell made her PWHL debut and spoke after Sunday’s practice about the whirlwind of emotions. She credited her offseason work and her veteran teammates for helping her adjust to the pace and physicality of the league.
“Looking up and seeing that crowd… it was unbelievable,” she said. Her message to fans?
Don’t be shy. “If you see me, come say hi!”
Looking Ahead
The Torrent are still chasing that first win, but they’re not far off. The effort is there.
The structure is coming together. And with a full house behind them, they’ve already proven they belong.
Next up: a home matchup with the 2-1 New York Sirens. Expect a sharper focus on finishing chances-Sunday’s practice was heavy on shooting and tips, a clear response to Friday’s offensive frustrations.
The wins will come. But what Seattle showed on Friday is that they’re more than just a new team-they’re a team with heart, grit, and a fanbase ready to go the distance with them.