GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. FINLAND (APRIL 1)
Stream: HockeyCanada.ca/WomensWorlds
Before days before the start of the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship, Canada’s National Women’s Team is on the ice for its lone pre-tournament game Saturday night, taking on Finland in Niagara Falls, Ont.
Last Game
Canada completed a reverse sweep of the United States in the Rivalry Series on Feb. 22, using a four-goal second period to blank the Americans 5-0 in Laval, Que., in Game 7 and win the series despite dropping the first three games. Blayre Turnbull scored twice in 32 seconds, Marie-Philip Poulin crept closer to a milestone (more on that below) and Ann-Renée Desbiens made 25 saves for the Canadians, who outscored the U.S. 10-1 over the final two games.
The Finns last saw the ice on Feb. 12, downing Sweden 4-1 in Füssen, Germany, in the finale of the Euro Hockey Tour (EHT). Petra Nieminen, Viivi Vainikka and Sanni Vanhanen scored first-period goals for Finland, which outshot the Swedes 34-15. The Finns were perfect in the EHT, winning all 12 of their games.
Last Meeting
The Canadians and Finns met in the opener of the preliminary round at the 2022 Women’s Worlds – a 4-1 win for Canada. Poulin and Sarah Nurse posted a goal and an assist apiece to pace the offence, and the Canadians finished with a 43-17 edge in shots on goal.
What to Watch
What will the lines look like for Canada? Poulin and Brianne Jenner are mainstays on the top line, but who will join them on the left wing? Where does Natalie Spooner slot into the lineup in her return to Team Canada, just four months after giving birth? How about NCAA standout Danielle Serdachny, who scored the overtime winner in Game 5 of the Rivalry Series in December? Look for head coach Troy Ryan to try different players in different positions before settling on his line combos for the tournament opener against Switzerland on April 5.
The legend of Jenni Hiirikoski continues to grow. The long-time Finnish captain is arguably the best blue-liner in the game, recognized seven times as Best Defence at the IIHF Women’s World Championship and twice more at the Olympics. But her career (and potentially her life) looked to be in danger when her throat was slashed by a skate during Game 2 of the SDHL final on March 19. Just two days later, though, the Luleå HF captain was behind the bench serving as a coach as her team finished off its fifth-straight Swedish league title. Simply amazing.
Chasing History
Poulin joined an exclusive group in Game 6 of the Rivalry Series on Feb. 20, reaching 200 points with Canada’s National Women’s Team and putting her name alongside Hayley Wickenheiser, Jayna Hefford, Caroline Ouellette and Danielle Goyette as the only players to get to that number.
Next up? She sits just two goals shy of 100. Only Wickenheiser, Hefford and Goyette have hit the century mark in a Team Canada jersey.
A Look Back
Canada has just a pair of losses and a tie in 87 all-time meetings with the Finns, but the Nordic nation is always a tough matchup.
There have been plenty of impressive individual performances against Finland over the years, but two stand out. When the teams met at the 2006 4 Nations Cup in Kitchener, Ont., Jayna Hefford had a hat trick and four assists and Caroline Ouellette added a hat trick and three helpers to help Canada to an 8-1 win. Hefford’s seven points remain a single-game Team Canada record.
All-time record: Canada leads 84-2-1 Canada goals: 449 Finland goals: 111
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the 23 players named to Canada’s National Women’s Team who will look to reclaim the gold medal at the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship, April 3-14 in Utica, New York.
Three goaltenders, seven defence and 13 forwards were selected by general manager Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, QC/Toronto, PWHL), head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, NS/Toronto, PWHL) and Cherie Piper (Scarborough, ON), senior manager of player development and scouting. Assistant coaches Kori Cheverie (New Glasgow, NS/Montréal, PWHL), Courtney Kessel (Mississauga, ON/Boston, PWHL) and Caroline Ouellette (Montréal, QC/Concordia University, RSEQ), along with goaltending consultant Brad Kirkwood (Calgary, AB/Toronto, PWHL), also provided input.
The 23 players selected include:
“It is always a difficult decision when it comes to the final selection process, but we challenged our coaching staff to look at our entire athlete pool and determine who we felt would give us the best chance at competing for a gold medal,” said Kingsbury. “We are extremely excited and confident in these 23 players, a group with championship experience, veteran leadership, character and youth, and we are excited for the journey to begin.”
The 10-team tournament features Canada in Group A with Czechia, Finland, Switzerland and the host United States, while Group B includes China, Denmark, Germany, Japan and Sweden.
Canada opens Women’s Worlds against Finland on April 4, and faces Switzerland on April 5 and Czechia on April 7 before closing out the preliminary round against its rivals from the United States on April 8.
Prior to the start of the tournament, Canada will play a pre-tournament game against Finland at 3 p.m. ET on March 30 at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston, Ontario, home of the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Fans can secure their tickets when they go on sale to the public on Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. ET. Tickets start at $20, plus applicable fees, and are available at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets.
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will carry extensive game coverage throughout the 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championship, broadcasting all preliminary-round games, quarterfinals, semifinals and medal games from the Adirondack Bank Center. RDS will provide coverage of all Team Canada games, in addition to two quarterfinalss, both semifinals and medal games.
For more information from the International Ice Hockey Federation, please visit the official tournament site at 2024.womensworlds.hockey.
In 22 appearances at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, Canada has captured 12 gold medals (1990, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2012, 2021, 2022), in addition to nine silver (2005, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2023) and one bronze (2019).
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Sophie Jaques had plans to pursue a career in civil engineering.
Instead, the 23-year-old finds herself living out her dream as a professional hockey player with PWHL Minnesota.
“It’s been a really exciting time for women’s hockey,” Jaques says. “It’s been great to play alongside the best players in the world and learn from all their experiences.”
Jaques was born in Toronto and grew up in the city's west end, where she developed an early love for hockey.
“I started playing hockey at Rennie Park by my house,” she recalls. “I really liked it, so my parents put me in a learn-to-play program and I fell in love with the game from there.
“I remember always having a smile on my face and enjoying the time with my friends, enjoying hot chocolate and those little things like jumping into the snowbank after the Zamboni came off the ice.”
While attending Silverthorn Collegiate in Etobicoke, Jaques played three seasons with the Toronto Aeros of the Provincial Women's Hockey League — now called the Ontario Women's Hockey League — winning league championships in 2016 and 2018.
Jaques recalls spending countless hours working on her game throughout her early years.
“I went to a lot of shooting clinics when I was younger, working on my shot in the backyard, and I think that helped take my shot to the next level and [it is] something I continue to use every time I step on the ice now.”
That level of commitment is what helped set Jaques apart, whether it was hockey or academics — something that became extremely evident in her five seasons at Ohio State University.
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Making history at OSU
Jaques’ teammates and coaches in Columbus describe her as an easygoing and brilliant student-athlete, but it was on the ice where her character and strength shone through with the Buckeyes.
“Things come naturally for Sophie,” says Nadine Muzerall, women’s hockey head coach at Ohio State. “Seeing her maturity grow over the years, her confidence was a big piece of that growth, and finding success on the ice, she became a leader.”
As a rookie in 2018-19, she led all OSU rookies with 21 points (6-15—21) before topping that with 24 points (9-15—24) as a sophomore.
After posting just two goals and four points in 20 games during the COVID-affected 2020-21 season, Jaques exploded as a senior. her 59 points (21-38—59) in 38 games rank as the second-most by a defender in Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) history and the most in Ohio State history. Her contributions led the Buckeyes to their first NCAA national championship and put the women’s hockey world on notice.
“It finally all just clicked that season,” says Jaques. “I developed more confidence in myself, and it allowed me to play at my best. The next season, I wanted to prove that it wasn’t a one-off season, that it wasn’t a fluke that senior season, and that I could play that way."
Jaques returned for a fifth year and picked up right where she left off. Not only did she earn a fellowship from OSU to fund her final year to complete her master’s degree in civil engineering, Jaques put up another 48 points (24-24—48) in 41 games, becoming the first Black woman and only the 10th Canadian to be awarded the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award as the best women’s hockey player in the NCAA.
“She’s one of the best defencemen to play college hockey and the fact that she joined before OSU was number one in the country, and she helped build this program, that says a lot about her character and being a builder,” Muzerall says.
Jaques filled her trophy case at Ohio State; in addition to the Kazmaier Award, she was a two-time First Team All-American, two-time WCHA Defender of the Year, WCHA Player of the Year, WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete and a four-time member of the WCHA All-Academic Team.
In 2022, she won the Arthur Ashe Jr. Female Sport Scholar of the Year, an honour presented to a minority woman who has distinguished herself in her academic and athletic pursuits..
“I’ve coached a lot of people who had success, but I’ve very rarely coached someone as successful as Sophie,” says Muzerall. “In terms of point production as a defenceman, she’s the only person from Ohio State and all its respected programs to win the Arthur Ashe award, and she humbly accepted it. She was receiving national recognition, not just as a hockey player, but as a brilliant student-athlete, and that has never been done before.”
2022 NCAA National Champion. The first Buckeye Kazmaier winner. The first Black Kazmaier winner. Sophie Jaques is a first-mover, who never stands still which is why she is tonight’s Match Ignitor.#Crew96 ✘ @OhioStateWHKY pic.twitter.com/nUBOhmbfff
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) April 30, 2023
Reaching out to the community
Jaques’ achievements on and off the ice as a student-athlete only grew the game as her influence and leadership were felt among the young girls and boys in the community.
After finishing her college career last spring, Jaques returned home to Toronto to team up with Saroya Tinker to host the first Black Girl Hockey Club Canada summer camp, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation in the community she grew up in.
“At the beginning, it was something that I didn’t really know was happening, but I’m grateful to be in the position where I can inspire others,” Jaques says. “I want to help get more girls into hockey, and hopefully break down more barriers surrounding the game. It’s incredible to know now that I can play a small part in continuing to grow the game.”
Her reach only grew last November when she made her debut for Canada’s National Women’s Team in Los Angeles during the Rivalry Series. “It was an incredibly grateful feeling to represent my country,” Jaques says. “Playing alongside someone like Jocelyn Larocque, who I watched when I was a young girl, and being around all those girls who have been pioneers for the women’s game, to finally get the chance to wear that jersey with that group, was incredible.”
Emma Maltais, who played with Jaques at Ohio State, was more than happy to welcome her friend to the national team. Before the game, it was Maltais who handed Jaques her Team Canada jersey. “Sophie’s been dreaming of that moment for a long time,” says Maltais. “She’s so humble and for someone who is so good, there’s a calmness to her while she plays at such a high level. She’s so driven as a person too, in athletics and academics, and that speaks a lot to her as a person and her willingness to go the extra mile to find success.”
Trailblazer once again
After her outstanding college career, Jaques made history by becoming the first-ever Black player and the first Buckeye to be drafted into the PWHL when she was taken 10th overall by Boston — something that wasn’t even an option for her a year ago.
She made history once again earlier this month by being part of the very first PWHL trade when she was dealt to Minnesota.
“I'm really grateful that this year, it is a sustainable league with liveable wages so that I could pursue hockey,” she says.
CALGARY, Alberta – Three-time Olympic and two-time IIHF Women’s World Championship gold medallist Meghan Agosta (Ruthven, ON) officially announced her retirement from international competition with Canada’s National Women’s Team on Friday.
The 37-year-old made her debut in 2004, winning gold medals at the Olympic Winter Games in 2006, 2010 and 2014, and was Top Scorer, Most Valuable Player, Best Forward and a media all-star at the 2010 Olympics. She also added a silver medal at the 2018 Olympics, and finishes her career ranked sixth all-time in goals (85) and points (176), and seventh in assists (91) with Team Canada.
Agosta also wore the Maple Leaf at the IIHF Women’s World Championship eight times, winning two gold medals (2007, 2012) and six silver (2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017). She made her program debut with Canada’s National Women’s Development Team in 2004, winning three gold medals at the Air Canada Cup (2005, 2007, 2008) and gold at the 2009 MLP Cup, and is the all-time leading scorer with Canada’s National Women’s Development Team (23-27—50 in 32 games played).
“As I announce my retirement from Hockey Canada, I reflect on a journey that began with a childhood dream of proudly wearing the Maple Leaf on the world stage. From the moment I first donned the jersey, to representing Canada at world championships and the Olympic Games, that dream became a reality,” Agosta said. “Looking back, as I embark on this new chapter and with a little girl of my own eager to follow in my footsteps, I am overwhelmed with pride. Every moment and memory has shaped the career I hold dear, and I owe immense gratitude to my family, teammates and coaches, whose unwavering support propelled me forward, their belief in me fuelling every stride, goal and victory.”
Agosta played two seasons (2011-13) with the Montreal Stars of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), winning the Clarkson Cup in 2012 and becoming the first player to win the Angela James Bowl as the league’s leading scorer in back-to-back seasons. She was also named CWHL Player of the Year in 2011-12, the same year she set the CWHL single-season scoring record (41-39—80 in 27 games played). Agosta won gold medals with Ontario at the 2003 Canada Winter Games and Ontario Red at the January 2005 National Women’s Under-18 Championship.
She played four seasons (2006-09, 2010-11) at Mercyhurst University, serving as captain for her final two years and helping the Lakers reach the championship game at the 2009 NCAA Frozen Four. She finished her college career as with the most goals (157) and points (303) in NCAA history, and was an NCAA First Team All-American in all four seasons.
“I am eternally grateful to my family, whose love and sacrifices have been my foundation. To my teammates, who became sisters on the ice, I thank you for the camaraderie, laughter and shared triumphs, and for the bonds we forged that transcend the game,” continued Agosta. “To the coaches whose guidance and mentorship sculpted me into the player and person I am today, your impact will endure long beyond the rink. To the Canadian fans whose cheers echoed in arenas across the globe, thank you for the unwavering support and the passion that fuelled our fire every game. It has been an honour to represent Canada, wear the red and white with pride, and inspire the next generation of athletes.”
Prior to announcing her retirement, Agosta put her criminal justice and criminalistics psychology education to use by pursuing a career in law enforcement. She took a break from hockey after the 2014 Olympics to attend the police academy, became a full-time constable with the Vancouver Police Department in May 2015. She balanced her duties as a police officer and an athlete to make a return to Canada’s National Women’s Team in 2015 in preparation for the 2018 Olympics.
“We wish Meghan all the best in her retirement from the National Women’s Team, and thank her for her contributions to Hockey Canada, the National Women’s Program and the game as a whole,” said Cherie Piper (Scarborough, ON), senior manager of scouting and player development. “Meghan was an invaluable asset to Team Canada on the international stage, and was a key member of four Olympic teams. She used her dynamic skillset to leave an indelible mark on the hockey world, and we wish her continued success in her career with the Vancouver Police Department.”
To view Agosta’s personal retirement announcement, please click here.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Program, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. UNITED STATES (FEB. 11)
It all comes down to Game 7 for the second year in a row as Canada’s National Women's Team crosses the border to face the United States at the Xcel Energy Center in the Rivalry Series finale Sunday afternoon. The Canadians have once again erased a 3-0 series deficit to force a deciding game, and will look for a second-consecutive reverse sweep.
On Friday, Canada shut out the United States 3-0 at the Brandt Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan, to tie the series. Natalie Spooner had a power-play goal in the first minute of the third period to open the scoring, and added an assist as well. Emily Clark and Sarah Nurse added insurance goals, and Emerance Maschmeyer had an outstanding performance, turning away 27 shots for the shutout.
The home-province crowds in Saskatchewan have certainly energized Emily Clark. After multiple chances in Saskatoon, the PWHL Ottawa alternate captain found the back of the net in Regina to double the Canadian lead. The 28-year-old has a goal and four points in seven games for the nation’s capital. Natalie Spooner has also carried her momentum from the PWHL into her return to Team Canada. She is currently leading the PWHL with seven goals in nine games.
Alex Carpenter and Gabbie Hughes lead the U.S. with three goals each through the first six games of the series. That success on the international stage can also be found in the PWHL. Carpenter leads the league in scoring (5-6—11), while Hughes has two goals and an assist for PWHL Ottawa. The American penalty kill has also been very effective; the U.S. is 20-for-22 on the penalty kill through six games.
Spooner added her name to the Team Canada history books on Friday, scoring the 500th National Women’s Team goal against the United States in the 182-game history of the rivalry. The veteran forward—who also scored the 300th goal on April 7, 2012—joins the list of milestone goals that includes France St-Louis (1st – March 28, 1990), Dana Antal (100th – Nov. 28, 1999), Gina Kingsbury (200th – Jan. 1, 2006) and Brianne Jenner (400th - Feb. 14, 2019).
Canada has a 4-2 record against the Americans in Minnesota—and a 3-1 record at the Xcel Energy Center—dating back to an exhibition game pre-Nagano in October 1997. In the most recent game in the State of Hockey, Marie-Philip Poulin scored late in the second period to tie the game and Jenner scored 37 seconds into overtime for a 2-1 win on Dec. 3, 2017.
All-time record: Canada leads 103-78-1 (23-19 in OT/SO) Canada goals: 502 United States goals: 443
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. UNITED STATES (FEB. 9)
It’s the final Rivalry Series game on home ice as Canada’s National Women's Team looks to continue its comeback in Game 6 on Friday at the Brandt Centre in Regina.
On Wednesday, Canada came from behind to earn a 4-2 victory over the United States at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon. Brianne Jenner capitalized on a rebound to tie the game in the second period before Ashton Bell, Renata Fast and Laura Stacey scored in the final 8:31 to help Canada stay alive. Ann-Renée Desbiens made 14 saves for the win.
You can never underestimate the ability of Canada’s defence to contribute offensively. Half of the Canadian goals on Wednesday were scored by blue-liners, and that’s a carryover from the PWHL season. Bell has four assists with PWHL Ottawa , while Fast scored her first goal of the season with PWHL Toronto last Saturday to go along with her two assists. And let’s not forget Ella Shelton, who leads all PWHL defenders with nine points (3-6—9) in as many games.
Grace Zumwinkle opened the scoring for the Americans on Wednesday, which isn’t a surprise if you’ve been watching the first month of the PWHL season. Zumwinkle has been terrific with her home-state team in Minnesota. She’s the team’s leading scorer and sits tied for fifth in league scoring with eight points (6-2—8) in nine games. The 24-year-old has participated in two Women’s Worlds and earned a spot on the United States’ 2022 Olympic roster.
It will be a milestone night for Fast, who is set to become the 32nd player—and ninth defender—to play 100 international games with Canada’s National Women’s Team.
With her goal on Wednesday, the Burlington, Ontario product has recorded 44 points (7-37—44) in 99 games wearing the Maple Leaf, good for a tie for 10th all-time among Canadian blue-liners, alongside Carla MacLeod.
It’s a bit of déjà vu from last year, as Canada dropped the first three games before coming back to win the Rivalry Series.
Canada has an 9-2 record in Saskatchewan—and a 2-0 record in Regina—dating back to a three-game, pre-Nagano swing through Saskatoon, Regina and Melfort in October 1997. Jennifer Botterill opened the scoring, and Danielle Goyette and Dana Antal scored twice in the third period to give the Canadians a 3-2 victory over the United States on Oct. 6, 2005.
All-time record: Canada leads 102-78-1 (23-19 in OT/SO) Canada goals: 499 United States goals: 443
When Maggie Connors was 10 years old, her mother entered her in a contest that allowed one lucky winner the opportunity to spend a day with Canada’s National Women’s Team.
At the time, the team, which included the likes of Hayley Wickenheiser, Jayna Hefford, Caroline Ouellette, Marie-Philip Poulin and Jocelyne Larocque, was in Connors’ hometown of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, for the 2010 4 Nations Cup, just months removed from Olympic gold in Vancouver.
“It was basically like a day in the life with Team Canada and whoever won got to meet the team, get things signed, got to hang out with them, got to go on the ice during warmup with them and watch a game,” Connors recalls.
Lo and behold, Connors won the contest and was paired with 20-year-old Natalie Spooner for the day.
“She was my mentor for the day,” says Connors. “It’s crazy, you learn how impactful little moments with fans and obviously with little hockey players can be because ever since that day, I always said Natalie Spooner was my favourite player.”
Fourteen years later, Connors, now 24 and lining up alongside Spooner with Toronto in the inaugural season of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), finds herself suiting up alongside her childhood idol in a different setting, this time as a member of Canada’s National Women’s Team in the Rivalry Series.
Connors, who made her Team Canada debut on Wednesday night in Saskatoon, calls it a full-circle moment.
“It’s surreal. It’s overwhelming. It’s everything you dream of in terms of pushing yourself to make this team. So, to be told that you're making the team, it's awesome,” she says. “The first thing you think about is the fastest way to get in touch with your family.”
Spooner, for her part, says she remembers the 2010 4 Nations Cup and being a mentor, but didn’t realize it was Connors until her teammate told her about it.
“It's pretty crazy. It probably makes me feel a little older than I'd like,” she says with a laugh. “I had some amazing idols that I got to look up to and see them play, and then getting to play with them was pretty amazing.”
This, however, is not the first time Connors has worn the Maple Leaf. She won a bronze medal at the 2018 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship and played in a pair of summer series with Canada’s National Women’s Development Team in 2018 and 2019.
From the Rock to the world
Connors was born and raised in St. John’s and began playing hockey at an early age, thanks in some part to her two older brothers, Michael and Chris.
“My parents had my brothers in hockey, and I think just they wanted to have one sport that we all went to. We were pretty close in age, I have brothers born in 1997 and 1999 and I was born in 2000, so having one sport made it easier for my parents,” Connors explains. “They actually started with figure skating, but of course, that was at the rink, and that didn’t last long for me. I wasn’t the biggest fan of figure skating and I wanted to do what my brothers did. So, I switched over to hockey, probably when I was around four.”
A young Maggie Connors with Marie-Philip Poulin and the National Women's Team at the 2010 4 Nations Cup. (Photo submitted)
In the fall of 2003, just shy of her 13th birthday, Connors made the decision to move 4,500 kilometres from home to attend the prestigious Shattuck-St. Mary's prep school in Faribault, Minnesota.
“When it got time to make a decision on if I wanted to keep taking hockey seriously and to keep pursuing my dream of playing hockey and seeing how high I could make it, I needed to move away from home but Newfoundland has been a huge contribution to my success,” says Connors.
Over the course of five seasons (2013-18) at Shattuck-St. Mary's, she won four national championships — three with the 16U program and one with the 19U team — and finished her senior year with 75 points in 50 games.
During those five seasons, Connors stayed connected to home, representing Newfoundland and Labrador at the 2015 Canada Winter Games, winning U16 gold at the 2015 Atlantic Challenge Cup and playing in the 2016 and 2017 National Women’s Under-18 Championships as a member of Team Atlantic.
“A lot of the credit of my early development goes to Hockey Newfoundland [and Labrador], developing me throughout my younger years. It was definitely difficult at times … there weren’t a ton of females playing hockey, so I was playing with the guys and [the provincial Member] was very supportive of that,” Connors says. “Representing Newfoundland was an awesome experience.”
After Shattuck-St. Mary's, Connors attended Princeton University, where she excelled on and off the ice. As a Tiger, Connors recorded 145 points (78-67—145) over four seasons, the 12th-most in school history. She made the ECAC All-Rookie Team (2017-18), ECAC Second All-Star Team (2018-19) and ECAC Third All-Star Team (2019-20), and earned a place on the ECAC All-Academic Team in all four seasons.
“I try to be a player that is a playmaker. I'm definitely offensively minded, and I love to play in the [offensive] zone. I love to use my creativity to create plays and create scoring chances and try to build some offence and create momentum,” Connors says about her game.
Much love from Newfoundland 🥹 pic.twitter.com/38cWn3eOyI
— PWHL Toronto (@PWHL_Toronto) January 24, 2024
In September, Connors became the youngest player drafted by Toronto in the inaugural PWHL Draft when she was taken with the 62nd pick.
“I don’t think I could have gone to a better place. Toronto, obviously, the city, the sports market that we are in and the fans, you feel it and it is incredible,” she says. “I am just so lucky that I come out of university and everything is right here for me and there is a lot of gratitude that comes along with that.
“You’re playing for the little girl in the stands that’s holding the sign that says ‘Future PWHL hockey player’ and you’re playing for people who have already retired from hockey who wish they had gotten this kind of opportunity but it didn’t work out and so, I am super grateful for the timing.”
Connors has posted three points (1-2—3) in nine games, playing on a line with her childhood idol, something she dreamed of as a 10-year-old.
“We're playing together now and it’s a crazy full-circle moment. She’s been obviously a huge idol of mine and one of my favourite players, and to be able to now learn from her and pick her brain every day is awesome. She’s a remarkable player and a great idol.”
Spooner says she’s happy to serve as a mentor to Connors and believes she has all the tools to be successful at the international level.
" I remember when I was her age and getting to play alongside older players like Hayley Wickenheiser and looking up to her and her taking [me under her] wing and make sure that I was confident, and I've tried to do the same for Maggie," she says. "She has all the skill. Now, she just has to go out there and believe in herself and play her game." A 10-year-old Maggie Connors stands with the National Women's Team ahead of a game at the 2010 4 Nations Cup. Connors won a contest that let her a spend a day with Canada’s National Women’s Team. (Photo submitted)
If you’re a working media member that has covered Canada’s National Women’s Team over the last four years, you know the name Esther Madziya.
But if you’re not and you don’t, you should.
A Hockey Canada communications manager, Madziya was part of the staff with the Olympic gold medal-winning team at Beijing 2022, sandwiched around a pair of IIHF Women’s World Championship gold medals, spending weeks and months on end in bubbles and quarantines during the COVID-19 pandemic, away from family and friends, with that singular golden goal in mind.
Outside of her Team Canada work, Madziya is an integral part of the Hockey Canada family, and was recognized for her contributions with the Hal Lewis Award as the organization's staff person of the year for the 2018-19 season.
To celebrate National Women and Girls in Sports Day and Black History Month, HockeyCanada.ca sat down with Madziya to talk about her journey and how the industry has evolved for minority women.
HC: How did you get your start in sports media?
EM: I went to SAIT [the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary] and took the broadcast journalism program. The program has evolved since then, but it was called CTSR – Cinema, Stage, Television and Radio. And then you could specialize in whatever you wanted to do.
I wasn't sure what I wanted to do at school. Way back when, I wanted to get into accounting, which is not my jam at all, but I always liked sports. And I thought, ‘You know what, maybe I want to get into sports.’ So I took the broadcast program at SAIT, with the hope of getting into sports broadcasting and one day maybe being on TSN.
I ended up getting a job in radio. I did a practicum in Lethbridge, which is my hometown, at the radio station. The station also had the broadcast rights to Lethbridge Hurricanes games, so I was covering the intermission reports and updating scores and stats, and it just evolved from there.
HC: What was the landscape like in sports media for women when you came out of university?
EM: At that the time, there weren't a lot of women in sports. There was also not a lot of diversity, in broadcasting and in sports in particular.
Growing up, my parents always said, ‘No matter what happens, you are going to have to work harder than the next person. You're going to have to prove yourself all the time, because you are a woman and because you are a minority. Nothing's going to come easy for you.’
So that was just something that always stuck with me. And I remember some of my colleagues at SAIT, as we got closer to graduation, saying that it would be easier for me to get a job because I was a woman and a minority, which I didn’t necessarily agree with. But if being a woman and being a minority was going to get my foot in the door, then you know what, I'll accept it. But at the same time, if I can't do my job, it's not going to keep the door open very long.
It was just the reality of, you're going to have to work twice as hard as the next person if you want to have any opportunities. That was just something that always stuck with me.
HC: You’re coming up on nine years with Hockey Canada later this week; what was the career path to get here?
EM: I worked at the radio station in Lethbridge for four years, working the morning show and doing intermission reports with the Hurricanes. I moved into television at Global Lethbridge for a few years, and in 2002 was lucky enough to get a position as a sports reporter at Global Saskatoon. I focused on a lot of university sports, did men's and women's hockey, reporting on those. That was my beat. Canadian Junior Football, I covered the Saskatoon Hilltops. I covered volleyball, curling – learned a lot about curling – covered a lot of SJHL hockey, minor hockey, all that kind of stuff.
In 2010 there were cutbacks, and the industry as a whole was changing, so I decided to go home to Lethbridge. I went back to the radio station, started doing the morning show again, which I never thought I’d do, and was involved with Hurricanes games on both TV and radio.
A year later, the Hurricanes’ communications manager took another job in the Western Hockey League, and the team offered me the position. I was with the team for four years before the Hockey Canada position came open, and I started in February 2015.
HC: You’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing athletes, travel to amazing places, have a front-row seat to Canadian hockey history. What is that like?
EM: Honestly, it's hard to describe, because unless you're in it, you can't even really describe it. But never in my wildest dreams would have imagined that I'd have the opportunities that have come my way. I never would have imagined that I would have gone to some of the places that I've gone, had the opportunity to work with some of the athletes that I've worked with, had the opportunity to cover events, whether it’s from the event side or being embedded with a team.
I think the other piece that makes it special is what it means to my family. My family is incredibly proud of just seeing that this kid who, when she was younger, probably didn't always have the greatest focus on her studies, is doing what she's doing now.
There are times when I’ve hosted a press conference, and my family tells their friends, ‘That's our kid. That's my sister. That's my daughter.’ They're so proud of that, and that means the world to me, but I also know that I've always tried to be really respectful and try to work hard, and do right by the Madziya name. It means a lot to them, just as much as it means to me.
HC: You’ve mentioned your family a few times, and the influence they’ve had on you. How important has that support system been as you’ve progressed through your career?
EM: No matter what I wanted to do with my life, they've always just been in my corner. And I think for any kid to have their parents say, ‘We're so proud of you, no matter what you do. We see the work that you do,’ it's a cool thing.
Our last name is Madziya. We're the only Madziya family here in Canada, and they're really proud of that. Their support just means a lot, because they've always been there. My mom always says, ‘Look at the opportunities that you've been given, look at the jobs that you've had, and appreciate that. And even though there might be some hard times along the way, those hard times strengthen you and they're the reason that you keep having the opportunities that come your way.’
HC: To be one of the faces of Team Canada with national and international media… does that carry a little more weight, mean a little more, because you’re a minority woman?
EM: Absolutely, because there still is a little bit of, ‘Do I really belong here?’ In the back of my mind, there is still that little bit of… watch how you walk, watch how you carry yourself, watch how you're dealing with somebody, watch how you're dealing with other media, because if you offend somebody, it’s pretty easy to say, ‘Well, it was her.’
In the back of my mind, I'm always still thinking about working twice as hard. I just don't want to make any missteps, because I feel like somebody is just waiting for me to make a mistake to say, ‘See, that person can't do it. She's not qualified. She was just a token hire.’
Those things still play in the back of my mind. I don't think those things will ever not play in the back of my mind.
HC: Women’s hockey has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and you’ve been able to see it up close. What has that been like to watch the game evolve?
EM: It’s pretty cool to see, because there's a lot of hard work that's gone into growing the game, and you see how passionate the athletes are, but you also see how passionate the staff is. So seeing where it's at and seeing so many people work so hard, that brings me a lot of joy, because they had their dreams when they were a little girl. And to see where things are at and to see the things that they've been able to do and accomplish, but to also get a front row seat to it, is pretty cool.
And I think one of the neatest things for me is that because I've been here nine years and have worked up and down the National Women’s Program, and at national events like the National Women’s Under-18 Championship, I’ve been able to see players from 16, 17, 18 years old through to the national team, and see the difference they’re making now. It’s pretty cool to see that progression – as hockey players and as women.
HC: Throughout your career in the media industry, how have you seen the doors open for women, and for minorities?
EM: It's like night and day. The industry has changed for the better. There are more opportunities, more doors opening up today. I think a lot of organizations have looked at their product and asked, ‘Is our TV program, is our news program, is our sports program indicative of what the rest of Canada looks like?’ Because it has to, otherwise you're not going to connect with people and you're going to lose them.
There are so many different avenues today. There are podcasts and influencers and so many other things that people are doing on their own. You're seeing a lot more women in different roles. And we're seeing a lot more of that because it's about hiring the best person that's out there.
HC: What advice do you have for women, or minorities, that want to get into sports but maybe don't feel like they have a path?
EM: If that's what you want to do, pursue it. Don't let anybody stop you. Somebody may say no, a door may close, but it's not no forever, and there's going to be another opportunity. Obviously if somebody says no, it cuts deep, but it just means not right now. Know that you belong there just as much as the next person. At the end of the day, everybody puts their pants on the same way.
So, pursue what you want to do. Don't take no for an answer, do your research, be confident and go in knowing that you know that you can do the job. Treat people with respect, and you'll hopefully get that respect back. Nobody should ever tell you that you don't belong.
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. UNITED STATES (FEB. 7)
The final leg of the Rivalry Series has arrived as Canada’s National Women's Team returns to home ice to face the United States in Game 5 on Wednesday at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon.
Let’s go back to December, where Canada won its first game of the series—a 3-2 shootout decision—at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena in Sarnia, Ontario. Danielle Serdachny and Ella Shelton scored in the latter half of the third period to erase a 2-0 deficit, and Marie-Philip Poulin scored the only goal in the shootout. Ann-Renée Desbiens made 22 saves for the win.
It’s a homecoming for forwards Emily Clark and Sophie Shirley in Saskatoon. An alternate captain with PWHL Ottawa, Clark has a goal and four points in seven games in the nation’s capital, while the 24-year-old Shirley—a late addition to the roster to replace the injured Kristin O’Neill—has a goal and three points in seven games with PWHL Boston. A few familiar faces are also returning to Canada’s lineup for this leg of the series, including Natalie Spooner, who leads the PWHL with seven goals in nine games.
Alex Carpenter has certainly made an impact with PWHL New York to start the season. The 29-year-old has recorded five goals and leads the league with 11 points in nine games. Kendall Coyne Schofield is making her return to the U.S. lineup after maternity leave. The veteran forward and captain of PWHL Minnesota has three goals and four points to start the season.
Five players will wear the colours of their country for the first time at the senior level – four Americans and one on the Canadian side.
Maggie Connors will see her first game action with Canada’s National Women’s Team; the St. John’s native has a goal and two assists with PWHL Toronto. For the U.S., it’ll be Madison Bizal, Maggie Flaherty, Brittyn Fleming and Taylor Girard who debut in red, white and blue.
The Canadians were in a similar position last year after dropping the first three games before coming back to win the Rivalry Series, so anything is possible.
Canada has an 8-2 record in Saskatchewan, dating back to a three-game, pre-Nagano swing through Saskatoon, Regina and Melfort in October 1997. Jayna Hefford was the standout in the game in Saskatoon, scoring twice and adding an assist in a 6-1 win over Sweden.
All-time record: Canada leads 101-78-1 (23-19 in OT/SO) Canada goals: 495 United States goals: 441
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the 24 players who have been named to Canada’s National Women’s Team for the final three games of the 2023-24 Rivalry Series, including a pair of games in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan, Feb. 7 and Feb. 9, respectively.
Three goaltenders, eight defence and 13 forwards were selected by general manager Gina Kingsbury (Rouyn-Noranda, QC/Toronto, PWHL), head coach Troy Ryan (Spryfield, NS/Toronto, PWHL) and Cherie Piper (Scarborough, ON), senior manager of player development and scouting. Assistant coaches Kori Cheverie (New Glasgow, NS/Montréal, PWHL), Courtney Kessel (Mississauga, ON/Boston, PWHL) and Caroline Ouellette (Montréal, QC/Concordia University, RSEQ), and goaltending consultant Brad Kirkwood (Calgary, AB/Toronto, PWHL) also provided input.
“We are excited about the 24 players we have assembled for our final three games against the Americans, and once again we expect another competitive series to showcase to our great fans,” said Kingsbury. “Our roster features a more veteran lineup, however with each series, we have looked at the depth of our women’s program and incorporated athletes which allowed us to test new line combinations. Ultimately, the process and these games are the building blocks we need for us to have success at the upcoming IIHF Women’s World Championship in April.”
The roster features 14 players who suited up at the Rivalry Series in Kitchener and Sarnia, Ontario, in December (Bell, Bourbonnais, Clark, Desbiens, Fast, Jenner, Larocque, Maltais, Nurse, O’Neill, Poulin, Shelton, Stacey, Turnbull), while Maggie Connors (St. John’s, NL/Toronto, PWHL) is set to make her debut with Canada’s National Women’s Team.
The Rivalry Series continues at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, home of the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL), on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. CT. The Canadian portion of the Rivalry Series wraps up in Regina, with the teams clashing at the Brandt Centre, home of the WHL’s Regina Pats, on Friday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. CT. The teams will travel south of the border for the series finale in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. CT.
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the final three Rivalry Series games; please check local listings for details. Media wishing to attend the games in Saskatoon and Regina must fill out the online accreditation form.
Tickets for the final two Rivalry Series games in Canada are on sale now at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets, and are available starting under $30.
This year’s Rivalry Series marks the fifth year the cross-border rivals will face off in cities across Canada and the United States. Canada’s National Women’s Team currently trails the United States 3-1 in the 2023-24 series, giving Canada a 12-13 record in 25 games since the inception of the Rivalry Series in 2018-19.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
GAME NOTES: CANADA VS. UNITED STATES (DEC. 16)
After a close overtime loss in Kitchener, Canada’s National Women's Team returns to the ice to face the United States at Progressive Auto Sales Arena in Sarnia as the Rivalry Series continues in Ontario.
Last Meeting
Thursday marked the first home game of the series, with Canada dropping a 3-2 overtime decision at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The Canadians struck first, with Danielle Serdachny opening the scoring in the first period, but the Americans responded with two goals in 63 seconds to take a 2-1 lead into the intermission. Emily Clark tied things up in the second period, and the score would stay that way through regulation before Hilary Knight scored on the power play just 28 seconds into overtime for the game-winner. Ann-Renée Desbiens registered a 19-save performance in her season debut.
What to Watch
How about Anne Cherkowski? The 21-year-old made her National Women’s Team debut in Kitchener and recorded her first international point with an assist on Serdachny’s goal. At the U18 and development levels with Team Canada, Cherkowski recorded 15 points (5-10—15) in 24 games. Look for the Coldstream, B.C., native to continue to find ways to make her presence felt on the ice in this series.
Canada was not alone with players making their debut and having an impact. Kirsten Simms played her first game with the Americans in Kitchener, and scored her first international goal to tie the game in the first period. The 19-year-old plays for the University of Wisconsin (where’s she averaging two points a game this season – 34 in 17) and previously represented the United States at the IIHF U18 Women's World Championship in 2020 and 2022.
A Look Back
After dropping the first three games before coming back to win the Rivalry Series last year, this is not an unfamiliar spot for the Canadians.
Canada’s National Women’s Team previously played an exhibition game in Sarnia in December 2016, earning a 3-2 overtime win. Rebecca Johnston scored in the first period before the Americans took a 2-1 lead in the middle frame. Jennifer Wakefield tied the game with 24 seconds remaining in regulation, and Marie-Philip Poulin went five-hole from the slot to get the game-winner 52 seconds into overtime.
All-time record: Canada leads 100-78-1 Canada goals: 492 United States goals: 439
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