Historic Moment: Abby Roque Scores First ‘Michigan Goal’ in PWHL History

On Saturday, March 22, 2025, during a nail-biting game against the Ottawa Charge at the Prudential Center in Newark, Abby Roque stunned fans and players alike by executing the first-ever “Michigan goal” in the fledgling PWHL. The 27-year-old forward, who has roots in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, demonstrated her finesse by lifting the puck onto her stick blade and scoring over the opponent’s goalie, Gwyneth Philips. This striking goal came while the Charge were leading 3-1 in the third period, making it not only a personal achievement for Roque but a landmark moment in the league’s history.

What is a ‘Michigan Goal’?

The “Michigan goal,” also known as the lacrosse-style goal, involves a player scooping the puck onto their stick blade while behind the opponent’s net and then lifting it to score over the goaltender’s shoulder. This incredible move was popularized in 1996 by Mike Legg during an NCAA playoff game and has since become a rare and celebrated feat in hockey.

Abby Roque’s Remarkable Achievement

• Roque scored her “Michigan goal” after recovering a loose puck in the offensive zone.
• She now has six goals this season, marking her contribution to the New York Sirens’ success.
• Her goal adds her name to an exclusive list of players who have successfully executed this challenging shot.

FIRST MICHIGAN GOAL IN PWHL HISTORY GOES TO ABBY ROQUE pic.twitter.com/GhtRfoMRnY

— New York Sirens (@PWHL_NewYork) March 22, 2025

A Trailblazer in Women’s Hockey

Roque’s amazing career includes several notable highlights:

• First Indigenous player on Team USA’s hockey roster.
• Member of the 2022 women’s Olympic team that won a silver medal in Beijing.
• Second season with the New York Sirens in the PWHL, further enhancing her legacy.

“Honestly, there was a lot around the net, and I just knew I had time behind the net to pick it up. I thought I may as well,” Roque commented about the goal. “The opportunity presented itself, so I had to try.”

The Rarity of the ‘Michigan’

While a stunning feat, “Michigan goals” are exceedingly rare in professional hockey:

• First NHL “Michigan goal” was scored by Andrei Svechnikov in October 2019.
• A handful of women’s players have attempted it, with notable recent successes.
• 14-year-old Nela Lopusanova made headlines in 2023 for her “Michigan goal” at the U18 IIHF world championships.

With this historic moment, Abby Roque not only delighted fans but also solidified her place in the history of women’s hockey. As the PWHL continues to grow, moments like these inspire future generations of female athletes.

Keywords: Abby Roque, Michigan goal, PWHL history, women’s hockey, New York Sirens, Gwyneth Philips, lacrosse-style goal, athletic achievement

Hashtags: #AbbyRoque #PWHL #WomensHockey #MichiganGoal #NewYorkSirens

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