Return to Toronto a tremendous time for Emma Woods

In a well-travelled career that has seen her play professionally on three continents, the 2024-25 season provided Emma Woods with a sense of homecoming. Signing with the Toronto Sceptres as a free agent, her familiar number 67 adorning the back of a stylish blue jersey, the city has proven highly memorable in her hockey odyssey.

From a PWHL perspective, Woods enjoys a proud legacy as one of the budding league’s charter players. Garbed in New York’s teal jersey, the pride of Burford, Ontario, enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the PWHL’s inaugural game. Contested on January 1, 2024 at Toronto’s Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC), located inside the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens, the success of the event, broadcast nationally on CBC television, set the tone for an exciting time in women’s sport.

Appearing in all 24 of New York’s games during the 2024 season, it was only fitting that her first PWHL game took place in Toronto. The season prior, Woods skated at the MAC during the 2023 playoff run of the now defunct Toronto Six. Culminating with an Isobel Cup championship, Woods, serving as an alternate captain, contributed 23 points in 24 regular season games for the Six. Of note, several of her Six teammates can be found on PWHL ice. Former teammates Elaine Chuli and Kati Tabin wear the jersey of the Victoire de Montréal, while Emma Greco skates for the Minnesota Frost.

Although the Isobel Cup Final proved to be the final game in franchise history, there were still several treasured opportunities to celebrate. Before April 2023 expired, the Toronto Blue Jays invited the Six roster, with Cup in tow, to grace the playing field at Rogers Centre, as Breanne Wilson-Bennett enjoyed the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch. Along with a championship ring ceremony, held before the start of the 2024-25 PWHL season, the glories of the Six provided Woods with treasured memories of her first Toronto hockey sojourn.

For a Sceptres club looking to gain their own championship, Woods is poised to provide a strong presence. Bringing dependability and playmaking skills, the opportunity to continue playing in Toronto has been highly enjoyable. With the Sceptres relocating to the Ricoh Coliseum, expanding their seating capacity considerably, Woods home debut occurred on November 30 versus the Boston Fleet. With 14:17 minutes of time on the ice, along with two hits, Woods strong work ethic was on display.

Although Woods had to wait until her fourth game to log her first points as a Sceptre, homecoming emerged as an essential theme. Coincidentally, Woods’ first points took place on the road versus her former club, the rebranded New York Sirens. Taking place on December 18, 2024, the game had no shortage of milestones.

In addition to Woods enjoying her first goal as a Sceptre, finding the back of the net with 44 seconds left, rookie goaltender Raygan Kirk made her debut in relief of starter Kristen Campbell. On the New York side, first year players Noora Tulus and Emmy Fecteau, plus team captain Micah Zandee-Hart all enjoyed the first goals of their PWHL careers.

Earlier in the third period, Woods and blueliner Renata Fast earned the assists on Hannah Miller’s second goal of the season. Coincidentally, Miller logged one of the assists on Woods’ goal, Kali Flanagan being the other. With a goal and an assist, it marked Woods’ first multi-point effort since February 17, 2024, when New York bested Boston by a 2-1 mark in overtime.  

Scoring another goal in December, the feeling of achievement saw Woods linked with two of her teammates. A December 27 tilt at home versus the Boston Fleet signified a big test for the Sceptres. Eager to demonstrate that the club is capable of being among the league’s finest, a thrilling 4-2 triumph saw four different Sceptres place their names on the scoresheet.

Among them, Jessica Kondas, also a member of the inaugural PWHL roster, enjoyed the thrill of her first goal, allowing Toronto a 2-0 advantage in the second period. At the 14:20 mark of the third, Woods scored what proved to be the game-winning goal, her first in Sceptres blue. Burying the puck past All-World goaltender Aerin Frankel, the season highlight took on greater meaning. Prevailing in a 4-2 final, as Flanagan also scored in the third, Raygan Kirk enjoyed the first win of her professional career, the first goalie from the 2024 PWHL Draft Class to achieve the feat.

Poised to be more than just a season highlight, but a career highlight for Woods, Kondas and Kirk, the magic of this game provided a unique feeling of full circle. Starting the calendar year of 2024 by playing in the first-ever PWHL game, finishing it on a strong note, contributing towards a rookie goalie achieving her pro hockey dream, Woods is one of the league’s true feel good stories.

Blue Jays image obtained from Instagram

All other photos by Lori Bolliger Photography