Turning the page on a new calendar year is often associated with aspirations for a refresh or a new beginning, but not this time for Brittany Howard and the Toronto Six.
“We want to keep rolling.”
That’s the message from the Premier Hockey Federation’s top scorer whose team also sits in first place heading into 2023.
“We’re definitely happy with the outcome, especially winning two against Buffalo for our first (six point) sweep of the year,” Howard said. “Moving into Christmas break that was what we wanted. Obviously, in a season you have your highs and lows, and we want to keep riding this and peak come March.”
So far this season the highs have outweighed the lows for both Howard and T6. December’s Player of the Month has begun her PHF career with 16 points including 12 goals. She’s only been held off the scoresheet once and has found the back of the net in eight of her first 10 games. The Six have won seven times with just one loss in regulation for 22 points overall.
“You want to be able to get three points every game you play in,” she said. “I think that’s been a huge thing we’ve talked about. Coming out and making sure that when the puck drops, we’re ready to go because each weekend is so important, and we want to make sure we’re in a top position.”
Howard is among 11 new players to join 10 returnees from last season’s squad, but the fresh faces haven’t hindered their ability to come together quickly.
“Obviously with 11 newcomers it’s a huge change for the Toronto Six and the roster itself,” she said. “The chemistry has been huge right from the get-go. We all get along great and I think that’s really transferred to the ice and it shows as a team, especially in some of those close games. Staying together as a team in all situations is something I think has led to some of our success.”
Of the new T6 talent, seven are playing in their first PHF season entirely, including Howard. The 27-year-old is no stranger to professional hockey, however, having played a season in the CWHL with the Toronto Furies after graduating from Robert Morris University. She also spent three years with the PWHPA and feels comfortable taking on a leadership role with her new unit, as do others.
“I think at this age we’re all adults and we all have our time to speak in the dressing room,” she said. “You just have to make sure as a newcomer that you’re doing your role on the ice, and then I think it all comes together in the change room. I’m just trying to be a good player on the ice and help my team out.”
Among her first half highlights is the simple camaraderie that teammates develop in the dressing room, including practical jokes.
“We have had a few hidden objects on some individuals, and when you pull your equipment out you never know what you’re going to get,” Howard laughed. “It’s a fun group. The changeroom and the social piece is the best part. It all transfers to the ice and when you have some wins in the column, you’re happy.”
As for on the ice, Howard is happy with her game to date and her contributions to the league’s most potent offense.
“I like to put the puck in the net and be an offensive threat whenever I can,” she said. “My shot is one thing that I want to utilize within my skillset and is one of my strengths as a player. I think it’s definitely something I want to keep at. I want to keep getting pucks on net so opportunities will come.”
Pucks on net certainly haven’t been an issue. Her 46 shots on goal are currently the most in the PHF, with an impressive shooting percentage of .200. Howard also leads the league with three game-winning goals and is tied for first with three power play tallies. She’s also aware of areas where her game has room for improvement as the season goes on.
“I think Gerry (coach Geraldine Heaney) would say so based on some of my D-zone shifts,” Howard joked. “It’s going to get a lot tighter in the second half. Your time and space begin to shut down come playoffs. I definitely want to keep doing the little things that are going to make us successful as a team and as an individual.”
Howard attributes early season success to the chemistry she’s formed with familiar teammates like Shiann Darkangelo who also played for the Furies, and fellow RMU Colonials graduate and recent linemate Lexi Templeman. As a native of St. Thomas, Ontario just two hours southwest of Toronto, Howard also appreciates having family and friends regularly in attendance. There’s also the prioritized focus on hockey that she’s been afforded in the PHF that has helped her game develop.
“I think the transition (to the PHF) has been awesome,” she said. “This is the first year I’ve been able to focus on hockey, getting to play games consistently, and I think it’s a huge thing to be able to come to the rink and not worry about where else you’re traveling to work. The focus is hockey and hopefully moving forward it continues.”
Howard still works part time as a supply teacher but has been able to significantly adjust her schedule to maintain a preferred emphasis on hockey.
“For me as an individual to focus on hockey and this to be my job, you can’t beat it,” she said. “It brings a smile to my face. You see the exponential growth in women’s hockey and the investment that’s taking place and it’s huge for the game. It’s huge for minor hockey and girls to have role models and aspire to be in positions that we’re in. We’re all excited for the next few years and focused on this year, but it’s great for women’s hockey.”
T6 returned to the ice last Wednesday, resuming regular practices after a short holiday break. It’s all business now as they prepare to make PHF history in the league’s first ever all-Canadian matchup this weekend against the expansion Montreal Force.
“I know a few of those players on that roster and they have some great depth and some great talent over there,” Howard said. “It’s a bit of a hike to Rimouski so that will be fun for the girls. Those trips are always fun because that’s where the team building always happens. I think you look at the Toronto vs Montreal rivalry in the NHL and I think it’s going to be similar with us vs them. We’re excited.”
Cover photo by Lori Bolliger
