PWHL Toronto has some of the biggest names in the game on their roster, but will it be enough to push them over the edge? Here's a look.
PWHL Toronto has some of the biggest names in the game on their roster, but will it be enough to push them over the edge? Here's a look.
A heavy Canadian presence, including many players with past experience on the international stage, are playing for Toronto. Will that experienced and veteran core be enough to carry Toronto? Here's a breakdown of PWHL Toronto's roster.
Strengths
Toronto will have a full building every game this season, which will be a factor for opponents, and they sold out so quickly due to the name recognition on the roster. That group of players will be a presence some teams may fall to early on including Blayre Turnbull, Sarah Nurse, Jocelyne Larocque, Renata Fast, Natalie Spooner, and Emma Maltais. More than the notoriety, this group brings a wealth of experience that should help with early trials. That familiarity spans to head coach Troy Ryan who is used to big games and high pressure situations. In Fast and Larocque, Toronto might have the number one defensive pairing in the league this year.
Offense
Toronto's top three lines pack some punch. Blayre Turnbull has been an absolute force physically in recent months, and Sarah Nurse and Natalie Spooner will provide veteran prowess. Add in highly skilled pro veterans like Brittany Howard and Hannah Miller, and rookies Jesse Compher, Emma Maltais, and Maggie Connors, and you've got for a talented mix. Rebecca Leslie had a surprise preseason, which if it continues, she'll be one of Toronto's best steals. In terms of depth, Toronto has a veteran presence that will also look to chip in. On the backend, Renata Fast will certainly be an offensive contributor, as will Kali Flanagan who is one of the best skaters in the league. Maude Poulin-Labelle who the team grabbed off waivers could be another surprise offensive pickup as she loves to join the rush and play creatively.
Team Defense
Fast and Larocque will be the foundation. Fast is one of the most complete defenders on the planet, and Larocque is known as a defensive defender who controls her own zone. Kali Flanagan will turn many heads as one of the most underrated players entering the league, as she can skate and provide offense with the best of them. Allie Munroe, Olivia Knowles, and Maude Poulin-Labelle can all jump into the play as well, and are a serviceable second half, while Lauriane Rougeau's veteran experience and presence cannot be overlooked. Her impact should improve as the season goes on and she gets back up to speed. Up front, players like Maltais and Turnbull are some of the best two-way players out there. For them it will be a balance of loosening the reins and allowing themselves the chance to shine offensively versus playing primarily as checkers as is the case with Team Canada.
X-Factor
Toronto has been taking their time with Natalie Spooner as she returns postpartum. Spooner played at the 2023 Worlds and didn't look like she missed a beat, but with a full season ahead, she's slowly working her way back. Spooner has been one of the best players on the planet for a decade, and she's not done yet. How impactful will she be? That will be a make or break factor for Toronto. Knowing Spooner's commitment to the sport, it's highly unlikely she returns in anything less than midseason form. In terms of Toronto's overall success, monitoring Spooner's return is an x-factor to watch.
One Question
Until they prove otherwise, we'll keep asking it - can Toronto's goaltending stand the test? There's no goaltending group in the league as vulnerable as Toronto's, but that doesn't mean Kristen Campbell, Erica Howe, and Carly Jackson don't step in and immediately steal the show. What it does mean is, Toronto's goalies have something to prove, and so far through preseason and other evaluation options, they've struggled to show that proof.