2023 PWHL Training Camp Preview: Toronto

The Professional Women's Hockey League team in Toronto has just over half of its roster set heading into training camp this week. As of writing, Toronto has announced 14 player signings: eight forwards, four defenders and two goaltenders. GM Gina Kingsbury still has some decisions to make, including five draft picks who remain unsigned.

Expected Camp Roster

Team Staff

• General manager: Gina Kingsbury, who holds the same role for Team Canada's senior women's team
• Head Coach: Troy Ryan, who also holds the same role for Team Canada's senior women's team
• Assistant coach: Rachel Flanagan, former longtime head coach with the University of Guelph women's team and assistant coach for Canada's National Development Team
• Goalie coach: Brad Kirkwood, former longtime goalie coach with the University of Calgary and the Team Canada senior women
• Video coach: Stefanie Thomson, former assistant coach with Franklin Pierce in DIII and most recently the video coach with Team Canada's U18 women's team for the last three seasons
• Skills coach: Mike Ellis, most recently a Director of Player Development with the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning who has also been a skills coach with the AHL's Toronto Marlies and a consultant with the Maple Leafs

What They Have

Toronto already has the minimum six players signed to three-year deals, so they're all set there. With Kristen Campbell and Erica Howe, they can build a strong goaltending tandem, both with previous PWHPA affiliation. Dynamic players like Sarah Nurse, Blayre Turnbull and Emma Maltais make for a dangerous offensive, well-balanced by defenders like Jocelyne Larocque and Renata Fast on the backend. This team has a good foundation to build upon.

What They Should Be Looking For

In a word: depth. Toronto has a very skilled roster signed so far, with what could be two top lines and two top defensive pairings. As of writing, they still have 10 open roster spots, plus two reserve spots, so there should be plenty of opportunities for some of the invited players to slot in. They'll likely sign two to three more defenders, four to five more forwards, and perhaps a third goaltender.

Both Carly Jackson and Amanda Mäkelä have prior pro experience playing in Toronto, with Jackson most recently winning the Isobel Cup with the PHF's Six this past season. Mäkelä spent two seasons with the CWHL's Furies from 2017-19. Either one would make a serviceable third goaltender for the team.

News & Notes

Here's a look at Toronto's inaugural season jerseys, also announced on November 15. Their official colors are Blue, Black and White.

As announced on November 13, Toronto's practice facility will be the Ford Performance Centre in Etobicoke. The facility is also the practice rink for the NHL's Maple Leafs and AHL's Marlies and was formerly the home of the CWHL's Toronto Furies. Hockey Canada also has offices in the buildings.