One of the most underrated players in the CWHL, Shannon Moulson has assembled a solid career as a reliable, yet highly skilled blueliner. A product of the NCAA’s Niagara Purple Eagles, Moulson is currently one of the defensive stalwarts for the Toronto Furies.
In a calendar year that has also seen Moulson capture the Clarkson Cup last March, the opportunity to compete in the inaugural CWHL All-Star Game caps off a memorable year. Contested at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre, there must have been a feeling of home ice advantage for Moulson, who has already graced ACC ice in her career.
When the CWHL hosted its first-ever regular season contest in an NHL arena, Air Canada Centre served as the backdrop for the historic accomplishment. The November 2012 contest featured Moulson and her Furies teammates prevail by a 3-0 tally against the former Team Alberta franchise (rechristened as the Calgary Inferno).
Upon discovery that she was selected for the inaugural All-Star Game, she was eager to share her feelings of elation and jubilation with friends and family. “I was so excited and surprised when I found out that I was selected for the All-Star Game. I was trying to call my best friend, boyfriend, younger brother and mom, but nobody answered because it was a bit later that night I found out.”
In addition, her brother Matt Moulson, a forward for the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, was also proud to show his support. As a side note, it was not the first time that Moulson earned the distinction of CWHL All-Star status. She also suited up for a group of CWHL All-Stars in 2008, competing alongside the likes of current Furies members Sami Jo Small and Sommer West, in a series of exhibition friendlies against NHL alumni to raise funds for charity.
“I felt so honored knowing who I was going to be playing with and against – some of the best female hockey players in the CWHL and the world. Matt sent me a text in the morning of the game saying ‘Good luck lil’ sis. Knock ‘em dead’.”
Selected 17th overall by Team Red in the CWHL Frozen Fantasy All-Star Draft, Moulson was not the only member of the Furies suiting up for the team. Other Furies joining her on Team Red included Tessa Bonhomme, Megan Bozek, Christina Kessler, Jenelle Kohanchuk and Carolyne Prevost. They would find themselves facing off against three members of the Furies acquired by Team White; Michelle Bonello, Sami Jo Small and Natalie Spooner.
“It was fun playing against some of my own teammates – Natalie Spooner, Sami Jo Small and Michelle Bonello. The Red Team had the majority of the Furies but it was great to watch them play so well. It made me proud.”
Besides making hockey history, the one common factor that Moulson shared with every other participant in the inaugural CWHL All-Star Game was the fact that was she was playing alongside various skaters for the first time. Whether it was rivals from the Montreal Stars such as Emmanuelle Blais and Ann-Sophie Bettez, or new blood from the cross-town Brampton Thunder such as Jess Jones and Jamie-Lee Rattray, it was an opportunity to get to know these on-ice opponents as friends off the ice.
“The most enjoyable part of the weekend was getting to know some of the other players who I had never met. Knowing that I was part of a huge inaugural event for women’s hockey and celebrating the win.”
“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
Photo credit: Brandon Taylor, CWHL Images
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