2024-25 PWHL Preview: Toronto Sceptres

Toronto had an incredibly strong first season in the PWHL, losing only seven games and going on a great run that saw them come just short of the Walter Cup.

Storylines for the Season

Any time a team gets so close to tasting victory and doesn't, it adds something special to their next season - especially with 18 returning players from last season. Knowing how close they got, they're going to be hungry for a championship and hungry to win, even moreso than usual. While last season's team was a strong one, expect this year's to be even tighter and vie for the top spot in the league.

Leading scorer Natalie Spooner remains on long-term injured reserve, so her absence - and which players will step up to fill the gap - will certainly be a key factor in Toronto's early success, or lack thereof. Spooner led the league with 20 goals and 27 points in 24 games last season.

Another storyline to watch in Toronto is the goaltending. Kristen Campbell carried the majority of the weight last season, playing in 22 games. She certainly deserved the starter's role, but that is a lot of hockey to play for one goaltender. We'll have to wait and see if Troy Ryan gives newcomer Raygan Kirk or fan favorite Carly Jackson a crack at it.

Location/Coaching Changes

Troy Ryan was named PWHL Coach of the Year after the inaugural season, so it's no surprise that he returns behind the bench for the Sceptres.

The team does have a new home this season, moving from Mattamy Athletic Centre to the significantly larger Coca-Cola Coliseum. It's a logical move for a team that sold out all of its games last season; with a capacity of 8,140 for hockey, their capacity has more than tripled.

The Coliseum, which is also home to the AHL's Toronto Marlies, is accessible via public transit and located just west of downtown Toronto. There is also ample parking in the area for fans who wish to drive.

Key New Arrival

As I said earlier, this team is remarkably close to last season's roster, with 18 returning players. Only a few roster spots were open for newcomers, but the team has obviously made space for flashy rookie Izzy Daniel, who should impress in her first pro season.

Daniel, 24, comes to Toronto following a productive NCAA career at Cornell. She averaged more than a point-per-game in college, with 158 points (51-107) in just 124 games. Following her final season, in which she registered 59 points in 34 games, she won the Patty Kazmaier Award as the top collegiate player and was named a first-team All-American. The Sceptres drafted her in the third round with the 18th overall selection.

How will her offense translate to the pro game? It's anyone's guess, but I have a feeling she won't miss a step and will fit right in, especially given the talent she's bound to be surrounded by in Toronto.

Key Departure

Although the Sceptres have a lot of returning players, a few of their forwards have departed. Rebecca Leslie, who had nine points last season, signed with the Ottawa Charge. Brittany Howard, who registered eight points last season, is now in a coaching role, serving as the head coach for the 16U and 19U Pittsburgh Penguins Elite girls programs.

Prediction

There is an incredible amount of pure talent, skill and speed throughout the roster, from top to bottom. Consistency in that roster means a lot; it will allow the team to feed off its strengths from last season and build on that winning year. It also represents the strength of the organization and the belief that the players and front office have in one another.

Quite frankly, I expect a lot from this team. Call it a top-two finish in the standings after the regular season and contention for the Walter Cup - only this time, I think they'll finish the job and win it all.