Despite being absent from the scoresheet, the province’s latest professional hockey player was turning heads at the inaugural season opener of the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
St. John’s native Maggie Connors suited up for Toronto in a battle against New York on New Year’s Day.
Connors received a loud ovation during the pre-game ceremony, which included a ceremonial puck drop from women’s tennis icon Billie Jean King and PWHL chairperson Jayna Hefford.
Toronto lost the game 4-0, but Connors’ speed and effort caught the attention of many hockey fans and earned her the honour of player of the game.
Connors previously played five seasons in the NCAA for Princeton University. She was drafted by Toronto in the 11th round of the PWHL last summer and has since signed a two-year contract with the club.
The league, made up of six teams, features some of the best female hockey players in North America.
A combined 72 games are on the docket for the first PWHL regular season.
Big shout out to our player of the game, @MaggieConnors9, for her strong offensive game. 👊
PWHL Toronto x @CanadianTire pic.twitter.com/8ZSdoBV3G2
— PWHL_Toronto (@PWHL_Toronto) January 1, 2024
