For a Connecticut Whale franchise that descended into the doldrums over the last few seasons, reaching its nadir in 2020 with a 20-loss season and 100 goals allowed, the arrival of Kennedy Marchment, plus first overall pick Taylor Girard, have accelerated a fascinating rebuild. Currently in the title conversation, Marchment, the Whale’s leading goal scorer has emerged as a prime time player.,
Heading into the All-Star break, which saw the Whale win six games in a row, Marchment contributed a solid eight points during this stellar run. Perhaps more impressive, Marchment assembled a superlative 10-game scoring streak. Amassing 15 points, including seven goals, Marchment recorded the game winning tally versus Buffalo on December 18.
Of all her efforts on the Whale offense, one of her finest took place during a loss. Early in the season, the Whale suffered a hard-fought 4-3 loss to the defending Isobel Cup champion Boston Pride. In spite of the loss, a highly positive aspect saw Marchment involved in all three Connecticut goals. Representing a season-high three point performance, it foreshadowed Marchment’s impact on offense.
Recognized for her efforts with a place in the 2022 PHF All-Star Showcase, the honor proved to be well deserved. One of eight members of the Whale earning All-Star status, the experience went beyond a sense of achievement. Providing an elated Marchment a profound appreciation for one of the league’s signature events.
“To be in the All star game was a huge honour. It was an all around amazing experience to be able to play with teammates, former teammates, and all the best players. To be able to play with the people you compete against was really cool, especially in front of the fans and on such a big network.”
Joined by Tori Howran and Emma Vlasic, this trip of Whale talent skated for Jillian Dempsey’s team. While Howran and Marchment were making their All-Star debuts, it marked the second experience for Vlasic. Coincidentally, Vlasic also called Dempsey a teammate at the 2020 All-Star Showcase.
Worth noting, coincidence has emerged as a key theme in Marchment’s inaugural season for the Whale. The niece of former NHLer Bryan Marchment, one of the nine teams he played for was the Toronto Maple Leafs. Her cousin, Mason, spent part of the 2019-20 with the franchise. Additionally, Whale head coach Colton Orr also skated for the Blue and White in his pro career.
In the aftermath of the PHF All-Star Showcase, Marchment now shares another unique linkage with her uncle, and Coach Orr. Akin to the aforementioned, Marchment now has her own Upper Deck hockey card.
As a variety of All-Star Game Dated cards were available for a limited time, one of the cards featured Marchment. Representing her first-ever Upper Deck card, Marchment’s shootout goal gained cardboard immortality.
Scoring twice in Team Dempsey’s 5-1 win versus Team Thunstrom, named after Minnesota Whitecaps forward Allie Thunstrom, Marchment recorded the first goal of the game. Coincidentally, fellow All-Star, and Whale blueliner, Tori Howran also scored twice, including the game-winning tally.
Adding to the theme of coincidence was the fact that their goals were scored on Team Thunstrom’s Abbie Ives. Also the starting goaltender for the Whale and a first-time All-Star, Ives won her last six regular season games heading into the mid-season classic. Prior to the match versus Team Dempsey, Ives needed only nine saves in her All-Star debut, a 3-2 win versus Team Darkangelo.
With Marchment recording the last goal of the game via the shootout round, it resulted in one of the most talked about of the Showcase. Displaying remarkable skill in slipping the puck past Ives, testament to her offensive brilliance, the moment allowed for a unique novelty, poised to hold a unique place in PHF All-Star lore,
“It was kind of funny to go down and shoot on Ives. We talked about it before the game and I had to switch up from my usual move in practice and get a little creative. But definitely an interesting feeling shooting in a game on your own goalie!”
“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
