The 6ix harpoon the Whale 5-1 in their home opener in Toronto
At PSP, we truly believe in women's sports, especially the Toronto 6ix hockey team from the PHF. As such, expect one of us to be at each of the home games and maybe even the odd away game. Further, we will do our best to give you part-fan, part-reporter's perspective from the game, as opposed the usual standard press report that you see from larger media - those are important too.
Anyway, let's get today's opening match for the 6ix on home ice in Toronto and in Canada. In case you don't know, the home games are played at Canlan Sports - York University. You can drive there, but the venue is very accessible by transit, being just a slapshot away from the Pioneer Village subway station. The arena is unimposing yet intimate, with roughly 1,000-1,500 capacity, from a naked eye view. Canlan Sports also has an onsite Wild Wing, as well as a pizzeria. You can also buy drinks close to the seats.
While the game was billed as a sell out, not everyone filled their purchased seats in the end. Nevertheless, those that showed up made for a loud and proud crowd, with Toronto Mayor, John Tory, Athleta CEO, Mary Beth Laughton, and 6ix President, Digit Murphy, in attendance for the opening ceremony. Athleta was recently announced as a corporate partner for the 6ix and both are aligned with the goal of female empowerment.
The game itself started like a boxing match, with both teams feeling each other out. The 6ix gradually applied more offensive pressure and they have maintained their physical approach to the puck, even though Murphy has now been succeeded by Mark Joslyn as head coach. However, Toronto fell behind to the Whale with a goal in the first period from a tipped puck. A goal against the run of play if you will. Kennedy Marchement will go down as the first player to score a PHF goal on Canadian soil... remember that for trivia night, friends!
As the season goes on, the 6ix will make Canlan @ York their ice. However, over the opening frames, both players seemed to negotiate the playing surface in addition to the game play itself. One of the players noted that there was some snow on the ice, in the postgame press conference. As is the case with any new arrival to a home, kinks will be ironed out over time and the surface will be become optimal as the season goes on.
The second period was a continuation of the first as the 6ix continued to press on and found themselves with a number of close chances around the 15 minute mark of the 2nd quarter. The persistence would pay off through Michela Cava assisted by Mikyla Grant-Mentis and Shiann Darkangelo. The first 6ix home goal would set off cowbells and sent the self-appointed DanceMaster, Digit Murphy, into raptures, in between the home bench and the stands. Murphy lives and breathes the 6ix and she could be seen all over the arena on Saturday, making sure everything was in order..
Not less than 2-3 minutes later. Brooke Boquist, assisted by Cava would push past the Whale’s weary defense, for a goal, despite being shorthanded. This brought the locals to life as this was a sign of the grit that the team has displayed in the past. The 6ix then imposed their will after a time out at the 12 minute mark of the 2nd period with Cava scoring again, assisted by Mikalya Grant-Mentis.
When called upon, Elaine Chuli made a number of key saves, either side of the tipped opening goal. It will be interesting to see how the 6ix back up, with this being their first back-to-back series of the 2021-22 season. The 6ix would add a 4th right on the end of the 2nd period with crowd favourite, Grant-Mentis scoring in a two on one situation, despite a Whale player conceding a tripping penalty in the lead up. It is noteworthy that the referees called both captain Woods and the Whale captain, together at the end of the period, perhaps to discuss the rising physicality amongst the two teams. Both teams are competitive and won't give an inch on the ice.
There was a fifth goal, a career first for Maegan Beres, scored in the third period but by this point, the contest was over, and I was getting into the beats being served up the house DJ. Ol' mate did a fine job by the way, sprinkling in some local music and satisfying CanCon requirements, if any. Overall, the game was entertaining and as someone who grew up with field hockey, I would highly recommend it, as a day out for family and/or friends.
The Toronto 6ix may have resumed life in a new home, playing under a new league moniker, but they have retained most, if not all, of the ingredients required to make another trip back to the Isobel Cup Playoffs. The key difference is that this time around, they will have a partisan crowd behind time for home games, as opposed to the lonely atmosphere of Lake Placid and Boston. Tomorrow will be a key test of their endurance on that journey back to the postseason.
3 Stars - Michela Cava
2 Stars - Brooke Boquist
1 Star - Elaine Chuli
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