The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) features an intriguing matchup on December 30, 2025, as the defending two-time champion Minnesota Frost travel to face the Toronto Sceptres in a rematch of their season-opening clash earlier this year. This game pits two of the league’s top contenders against each other, with Toronto looking to build on its strong start and Minnesota aiming to regain momentum after a mixed December. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all key aspects.
Venue Location
The game will be held at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This historic venue, located on the grounds of Exhibition Place, has a seating capacity of approximately 8,000 and serves as the primary home arena for the Toronto Sceptres. It’s known for its intimate atmosphere and has hosted numerous PWHL games, including high-stakes playoff matchups.
Puckdrop is set for 7:00 PM EST (6:00 PM CST for Minnesota viewers)
Broadcast: Available on FanDuel Sports Network and FOX 9+ in Minnesota markets; nationally via PWHL streaming partners and regional sports networks.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with notable absences that could impact their defensive depth and overall strategy.
Minnesota Frost:
Defender Sophie Jaques: Questionable (lower-body injury). She underwent an MRI following an injury sustained in a December 19 game against Ottawa and has missed recent outings. Her status remains day-to-day, potentially weakening Minnesota’s blue line if she’s out.
Forward Taylor Heise: Probable (knee). She’s been spotted in a knee brace earlier in the season but has played through it, contributing offensively in recent wins.
No other major injuries reported as of December 28, but the team has been cautious with veterans amid a busy December schedule.
Toronto Sceptres:
Defender Renata Fast: Doubtful (lower-body injury). The 2025 PWHL Defender of the Year has missed the last three games, including Toronto’s December 27 win over Montréal. This is a significant blow to Toronto’s top defensive pairing, as Fast leads the team in ice time and shutdown capabilities.
cbc.ca +1
No additional key injuries, though the team has rotated goalies due to a condensed schedule.
These injuries could force both teams to rely on younger players, potentially leading to more open play and higher scoring opportunities.
Player Matchups
This game features several compelling individual battles, particularly in the forward lines and goaltending, where star power could decide the outcome. Key matchups to watch:
Natalie Spooner (TOR Forward) vs. Lee Stecklein (MIN Defender): Spooner, Toronto’s leading scorer with multiple assists in recent games, thrives on speed and net-front presence. Stecklein, a shutdown specialist for Minnesota, will be tasked with neutralizing her, especially on the power play. Spooner’s two assists in the season opener against Minnesota highlight her threat.
Taylor Heise (MIN Forward) vs. Jocelyne Larocque (TOR Defender): Heise’s overtime winner against Vancouver on December 27 showcases her clutch ability. Larocque, stepping up in Fast’s absence, must contain Heise’s breakaway speed and shooting accuracy.
Kendall Coyne Schofield (MIN Forward) vs. Sarah Nurse (TOR Forward): A captain vs. captain showdown in the neutral zone. Both are elite skaters known for forechecking; Coyne Schofield’s experience could edge out Nurse’s playmaking if Minnesota controls possession.
Goaltending Duel: Nicole Hensley (MIN) vs. Kristen Campbell/Elaine Chuli (TOR): Hensley has been solid in relief starts, while Toronto’s tandem has shone—Chuli’s 29-save performance on December 27 gives her the edge if she starts. Expect low-scoring if both are on form.
These matchups emphasize Toronto’s offensive depth against Minnesota’s championship pedigree in tight games.
Minnesota sits mid-pack in the standings, while Toronto holds a top spot thanks to fewer regulation losses. Note: PWHL points system awards 3 for regulation wins, 2 for OT/SO wins, 1 for OT/SO losses, and 0 for regulation losses.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have shown resilience in overtime situations but have struggled with consistency.
Minnesota Frost (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Dec 27 | at Vancouver | W 2-1 OT | Heise’s OT goal; strong defense limited shots. thetelegraph.com |
| Dec 21 | vs Ottawa | L 2-3 OT | Overtime loss; power play inefficiency. letsplayhockey.com |
| Dec 19 | at ? (Unspecified) | W (Details limited) | Solid win; Jaques injured. instagram.com |
| Dec 7 | vs Boston | L (Score unspecified) | Home loss; offensive struggles. |
| Dec 1 | vs New York | L 3-4 OT | Close battle; earned a point. thepwhl.com |
Form: W-L-W-L-L (2-1-2 in last 5, including OT). Minnesota has gone to overtime in three of their last five, winning one, but injuries have hampered their depth.
Toronto Sceptres (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| Dec 27 | at Montréal | W 2-1 | Chuli’s 29 saves; Watts’ GWG without Fast. thepwhl.com +1 |
| Dec 24 | vs Ottawa | L 3-4 OT | Overtime loss; competitive but defensive lapses. tsn.ca |
| Dec 21 | at New York | W (Score unspecified) | Road win; strong forecheck. |
| Dec 17 | vs Montréal | L (Details limited) | Home setback; goaltending tandem tested. reddit.com |
| Nov 21 | at Minnesota | W 2-1 | Season opener; Zanon’s GWG. thepwhl.com |
Form: W-L-W-L-W (3-0-1-1 in last 5). Toronto has won three of five, with both losses in OT, showing strong goaltending but vulnerability without Fast.
Series History
Minnesota and Toronto have a heated rivalry, with 20 all-time meetings (including playoffs). Minnesota holds a slight edge overall (11 wins to Toronto’s 9), but Toronto has won the last regular-season encounter.
All-Time Head-to-Head: Minnesota 11-9 (54 goals for Minnesota, 50 for Toronto).
Recent Games:
Nov 21, 2025: Toronto 2-1 Minnesota (regular season).
May 2025 Playoffs: Minnesota won series 3-1 (including 7-5 and 4-3 wins), eliminating Toronto for the second straight year.
March 30, 2025: Minnesota 5-2 Toronto.
Toronto is 6-4 at home vs. Minnesota, but the Frost have dominated playoffs (6-2 record in postseason meetings).
Minnesota’s playoff success gives them a psychological edge, but Toronto’s home-ice advantage and recent form could shift the narrative.
Betting Trends
Minnesota Frost: 4-3 to the under in their last 7 games; 2-3 as underdogs this season. They are 5-2 in their last 7 road games but 1-4 against the spread (ATS) when facing top teams like Toronto.
Toronto Sceptres: 5-3 to the under in last 8; 4-1 ATS at home. They’ve covered the puck line in 3 straight wins but are 2-4 when favored by -120 or more.
Head-to-Head Trends: Last 5 meetings: 3-2 to the under; Minnesota 3-2 ATS. Games average 4.2 goals, trending low-scoring.
League-Wide: PWHL games in December 2025 have hit the under 60% of the time, favoring defenses in cold-weather months.
GAME ODDS
Minnesota Frost 4.5
Toronto Sceptres – 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 29, 2025
