VANCOUVER — Hannah Miller likes what she sees in Madison Samoskevich.
Miller, the veteran, and rookie Samoskevich both reached milestones as the Vancouver Goldeneyes used a 4-1 win over the Seattle Torrent to keep their slim playoff hopes alive in a battle of Professional Women’s Hockey League expansion teams Tuesday.
Miller scored her fourth goal of the season to collect her 50th career PWHL point playing in her 69th league game.
Samoskevich, who can play defence and forward, scored her first PWHL goal in her 24th game.
“I’m so happy that I got to do it in this rink,” said Samoskevich, the 23-year-old from Sandy Hook, Conn. “It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Miller believes Samoskevich will reach the 50-point plateau quicker than she did.
“I look at her and see a ton of potential,” said the 30-year-old from North Vancouver, B.C., who played two seasons with the PWHL team in Toronto before joining the Goldeneyes this year.
“You look at her versatility. She can play defence. She stepped in tonight. It’s not easy to switch positions like that and she did it seamlessly, contributed and helped the team.”
Miller is also impressed by the attitude Samoskevich brings to the rink each day.
“She’s an incredible teammate,” said Miller. “Honestly, one of my favourite teammates that I’ve ever played with. I mean that seriously.
“It’s not easy when you’re playing a different role on the team and getting limited minutes. It’s a really hard thing to do. She’s been consistent in her attitude and effort throughout all of it. And I think everyone in that locker room can learn a lot from her.”
Samoskevich said Miller has been a great role model.
“She’s grown my game a lot just watching her in practice,” said Samoskevich. “She’s so physical and so smart with the puck. Watching her and seeing the plays she makes, her vision on the ice, and her consistency in practice, I look up to her.”
Sarah Nurse and Anna Meixner also scored for Vancouver who snapped a three-game losing streak. Defenceman Ashton Bell added two assists.
Mikyla Grant-Mentis scored for Seattle, who were eliminated from the playoff hunt.
The Goldeneyes improved to 8-1-4-14 for 30 points and sit seventh in the eight-team league.
The Torrent, who have just two wins in their last six games, are last in the league with a 7-1-3-16 record for 26 points.
The top four teams advance to the playoffs. The Ottawa Charge currently sit fourth with 36 points (7-7-1-12).
Vancouver goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer stopped 29 shots.
Seattle goalie Corinne Schroeder stopped 11 of 15 shots before being pulled in the second period. Carley Jackson stopped all nine shots in relief.
Meixner and Samoskevich broke the game open with goals 33 seconds apart in the second period to give Vancouver a 4-0 lead.
Head coach Brian Idalski said Miller has the ability to pass her knowledge and experience on to the younger players.
“Miller has seen the highs and lows of women’s professional hockey,’ said Idalski. “She’s taken some of that to heart about the impact she can have on these younger players.
“I have experience with Hannah. She’s a terrific person and a pro’s pro.”
Idalski has been impressed with Samoskevich’s ability to play both defence and forward.
“I really do like her back there (on defence), her ability to be physical, take away time and space, and her skating is very good,” he said.
“I thought she did a great job today (at forward). She was responsible. You can see some of her speed and physicality in the offensive end. She was prepared for the moment and did a great job when that opportunity came forward.”
For Miller, securing the win was more important that reaching the 50-point plateau.
“It feels good any time you can contribute and help the team win,” she said. “I’m super happy we got the three points tonight and live to fight another day.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 15, 2026.
Jim Morris, The Canadian Press
