Get the best of Vancouver in your inbox, every Tuesday and Thursday. Sign up for our free newsletter.

Even in a tough year standings-wise, the Vancouver Goldeneyes have a lot to be proud of in their inaugural season. The team made the Pacific Coliseum a destination for professional sports again. It drew in a loyal, passionate fanbase. It executed one of the better in-game fan experiences on a consistent basis. 

But yes, overall, the team’s performance on the ice was a tad underwhelming. That started to turn around late in the season as the Goldeneyes registered some wins. For the playoffs, it was too little too late, as the team was officially eliminated from contention this weekend despite winning 6-5 in overtime against the Seattle Torrent. 

But all was not lost. For one, the Goldeneyes earned some points under the PWHL’s (awesome) Gold Plan rule, which gives points toward draft position for teams that are eliminated. That game also marked the making of PWHL history, as Surrey-born-and-raised forward Jennifer Gardiner scored four goals—including the OT winner. 

Seven PWHL players have recorded hat-tricks in the league’s two-year history, but none before Gardiner ever put up four in one game. 

It’s a big moment for the 24-year-old Gardiner, who has been one of the most efficient (and enthusiastic, given her hometown roots) members of the team. She also represented Team Canada at the Olympics this year.

Next year in the PWHL will bring change. The league is expected to expand to 12 teams from its current eight and current teams like the Goldeneyes will only be allowed to keep three players. 

There’s a lot of speculation about which players the team will opt to keep. 

Star defenders Sophie Jacques and Claire Thompson will be coveted by other teams. As will goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer. Sarah Nurse is on a one-year contract and could be headed elsewhere. If it were up to us, Gardiner would be very high on that list. Let’s see if she can get five next year. And we’re not just saying that because we were smart enough to profile her before the start of the year.