New York shuts out Toronto in 1st PWHL game as Canada's Shelton leads the way

New York defender Ella Shelton wound up from the top of the circle, sending a puck flying past several bodies in front of the net, through the five hole past Toronto goaltender Kristen Campbell, and straight into the history books.

Ingersoll, Ont.'s Shelton scored the first goal in the first Professional Women's Hockey League game, en route to shutting out Toronto 4-0 on Monday afternoon.

When New York selected her with the team's first-round draft pick (4th overall) in September, part of the team's plan to build from the blue line out, 25-year-old Shelton was asked what the younger version of herself would think of that moment.

WATCH l Shelton of Ingersoll, Ont., scores league's 1st-ever goal:

"Ten-year-old Ella didn't know that women could play hockey," Shelton said. Growing up in a small town, she always played with boys.

On New Year's Day, playing in front of a sold-out crowd of 2,537 people at the old Maple Leaf Gardens (now Mattamy Athletic Centre), Shelton's goal marked the start of a new era in professional women's hockey.

In the process, she created a moment that young girls in those stands will remember for the rest of their lives, and offered a glimpse of what could be possible for the next 10-year-old girl dreaming hockey dreams.

WATCH | New York wins in front of sold-out crowd:

"I think the emotions are just surreal right now," Shelton told CBC's Anastasia Bucsis during the first intermission."This crowd and coming to play your first professional hockey game in 2024, it's quite the bang to start off the year."

New York goaltender Corinne Schroeder saved all 29 shots that came her way in the win, earning a shutout and first-star honours, while Alex Carpenter, Jill Saulnier and Kayla Vespa had the team's other goals.

WATCH l Canadian goaltender Schroeder makes 29 saves in New York's win:

Toronto failed to capitalize on more than a minute of 5-on-3 time in the third period, and ultimately couldn't solve Schroeder over three periods. New York came out looking faster and more connected.

"We have a special group in there," Shelton said. "We have a lot of fun together. We work hard and we come determined to put our best foot forward and be a successful team this year."

Campbell made 24 saves for Toronto in the loss.