News roundup: the women's hockey club Seattle Torrent lost on the road, and the city celebrated St. Patrick's Day in style with a new waterfront parade.
Toronto unbeaten again: Sceptres blank Seattle Torrent
The professional women's hockey league continues to feature a tense battle for points in the regular season. In one of Sunday’s games, the Toronto Sceptres beat the Seattle Torrent 2-0 on home ice. The victory extended Toronto’s impressive unbeaten run since the Olympic break.
The game in Toronto was tense and, in some respects, tactical. As early as the fourth minute, Blair Turnbull took advantage of a 2-on-1 break to open the scoring. That early goal set the tone for the first period. But the main hero was Sceptres’ goaltender Reagan Kirk, who stopped all 33 shots she faced and recorded her first shutout in the PWHL. She was especially brilliant in the latter half of the second period, when Seattle pinned the opponent in their zone for an extended stretch and unleashed a barrage of shots; Kirk made nine saves during that span. As noted in the Seattle Sports report, this was already her seventh game this season with 30 or more saves. An empty-net goal in the final seconds by Sara Hjalmarsson merely sealed the win. Despite the loss, the Torrent acquitted themselves well and even outshot their opponents (33-25), but their goalie Hannah Murphy, who made 24 saves, could not match Kirk’s performance that day.
Injuries and illnesses to key players provided important context for the match. The Sceptres played without their star, Canadian Olympian Daryl Watts, who is still recovering from the flu she caught after the Games three weeks ago. The Torrent, meanwhile, were without U.S. captain Hilary Knight (knee injury) and her Olympic teammate Hannah Bilka (upper-body injury). Those absences undoubtedly affected both teams’ on-ice options. Despite the win, Toronto still has questions offensively. The team increased its total to 41 goals in 21 games, which is one of the lowest marks in the league. Only newcomers Seattle Torrent (40 goals in 19 games) and Vancouver GoldenAyes (35 in 19) have scored less. That shows that even teams vying for top spots are struggling to convert chances.
In the standings, the Sceptres (3-0-2-0 in their last five games) are steadily picking up points after the Olympic break and consolidating their position. The Torrent, despite a respectable performance, are dropping points in the race for a playoff spot. In upcoming rounds Toronto visits the Boston Fleet, while Seattle plays on the road against Montreal Vicktua(r). The outcomes of those games could significantly alter the table.
How Seattle celebrated St. Patrick’s Day: a waterfront parade and a new tradition
Last Saturday, Seattle—known as the Emerald City—fully lived up to its nickname, awash in shades of green for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. The festive procession marked not only a celebration of Irish heritage but also the start of a new chapter in its history, taking place for the first time along the revamped city waterfront instead of the usual downtown route. As Seattle Refined reports, the event turned into a vivid spectacle full of bagpipes, drums, dance troupes, and representatives of various communities, creating an unmistakable atmosphere of shared joy and unity.
The parade became a true celebration of life, drawing thousands of residents and visitors to pay tribute to Irish culture together. Moving the route to the waterfront was more than a change of location—it was a symbolic gesture underscoring Seattle’s connection to the water and its drive for renewal. The new route let participants and spectators enjoy picturesque views of Elliott Bay, adding a fresh Pacific Northwest color to the festivities. The procession, traditionally featuring a range of colorful groups from pipe bands in kilts to children’s dance ensembles, found new energy against the seaside backdrop. It’s important to note that the celebration is more than just merrymaking—it strengthens cultural ties. As a sister city to Galway, Ireland, Seattle uses events like this to demonstrate deep respect for Irish history and traditions that have become an integral part of Seattle’s multicultural mosaic. The parade serves as a reminder of the Irish diaspora’s contribution to the region’s development and is a vivid example of how a modern metropolis honors its diverse heritage. The success of this year’s event sets a high bar for future celebrations and may mark the birth of a new civic tradition associated not only with the color green and shamrocks but also with the beautiful views of Seattle’s waterfront.
Seattle’s St. Patrick’s Day parade found a new location and a special theme
Last Saturday, Seattle—the Emerald City—was once again painted every shade of green for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. But this year the procession took on greater scale and a new resonance, both literally and figuratively. Instead of the usual downtown route, the columns marched along the revitalized waterfront, giving the event a fresh look and atmosphere. KOMO News reports that the parade became a sea of green and joyful noise, featuring pipers, drummers, dance groups, and community organizations from across the Puget Sound region.
The celebration was given special significance by the parade’s dedication to the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Seattle and Galway, Ireland. That anniversary was a central theme of the festivities, emphasizing the deep cultural and historical ties between the city and Ireland. Weather that day was reportedly changeable—typical March conditions for the Pacific Northwest, with a mix of rain and bright spells. But, as noted, that did not stop participants and spectators from sharing the festive spirit and the traditional Irish wish: “May the wind be always at your back.”
The concept of “sister cities” may need explanation. It’s a long-term partnership program between cities in different countries aimed at cultural, educational, and economic exchange. The 40-year link between Seattle and Galway is a vivid example of such cooperation, which was celebrated during the parade. And “Emerald City” is an unofficial nickname for Seattle that fits perfectly with the green symbolism of St. Patrick’s Day.
The key insight from the event was not merely the celebration of Irish heritage but its connection to the city’s modern life. Moving the parade to the revitalized waterfront symbolizes integrating traditions into Seattle’s evolving urban landscape. It shows how city officials and organizers—such as the Irish Heritage Club—are working to enliven public spaces and make cultural events more accessible and spectacular. The participation of groups from across Puget Sound underscores that the celebration extended beyond Seattle itself, becoming a regional event.
Although the article doesn’t provide direct quotes from participants, it vividly conveys the atmosphere with visual images: “a sea of green,” the “joyful noise” of bagpipes and drums. The implications of such an event are significant. First, it strengthens the cultural identity of the Irish community in the region. Second, it serves as a form of soft diplomacy at the municipal level, reinforcing ties with Ireland. Third, public celebrations like this boost tourism and the local economy by drawing people to downtown and the waterfront. Ultimately, the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Seattle’s new waterfront is more than just fun; it’s a statement about how the city honors its past, celebrates international connections, and shapes its future through public spaces and shared joy.
