THN's Ian Kennedy talks about the Black History being made in the inaugural PWHL season. On January 5 at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Sarah Nurse from PWHL Toronto became the first Black woman in PWHL history to register a point, assisting on a second period goal by Natalie Spooner. It was the first of many historic moments for Black women in the PWHL. Days later, Nurse also became the first Black woman in PWHL history to score a goal recording Toronto's lone marker at the Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota. On the opening night of the season for PWHL Ottawa, it looked like Mikyla Grant-Mentis would hold this record, but her goal was waved off when a replay determined it had slid under the side of the net rather than going. Facing each other on January 13, Grant-Mentis picked up a pair of assists, her first and second points in the league in a 5-1 Ottawa win at Mattamy Athletic Centre in Toronto. Nurse was also the first Black woman signed to a PWHL contract [https://thehockeynews.com/womens/pwhl/nurse-fast-turnbull-land-in-toronto-signing-pwhl-deals#:%7e:text=Sarah%20Nurse%2C%20one%20of%20Team,in%20a%20PWHL%20press%20release.] when she inked a three-year deal September 6, 2023 with Toronto. Less than two weeks later on September 18, defender Sophie Jaques was the first Black woman selected in the PWHL draft when Boston chose the Patty Kazmaier winner 10th overall. Finally, the league also made a major stride forward hiring Saroya Tinker as the league's new Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives & Community Engagement. Tinker won an Isobel Cup championship last year with the PHF's Toronto Six and was slated to join PWHL Ottawa's camp before choosing to join the league's broadcast team, followed by her new front office role. “I am proud to be working for a league that has been revolutionary in every respect,” stated Tinker. “Our goal is to be the most progressive sports league in the world, and I cannot wait to contribute. I have been an advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion throughout my entire life, hockey playing career, and as the Executive Director of Black Girl Hockey Club Canada. I take pride in the change I have empowered, and the work I have done so far. I am excited to take on this new challenge that will allow me to create a strong foundation in the PWHL, with the hope of contributing to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive sport overall.” While the inaugural PWHL season is underway, and players like Sarah Nurse, Mikyla Grant-Mentis, and Sophie Jaques are already making history, it's only the beginning. The future of the PWHL also looks bright as prospects including Laila Edwards and Jade Iginla continue to forge their own path toward the pros.
