The Toronto Six have been perennial contenders throughout their short Premier Hockey Federation tenure, and the 2022-23 season is no exception.
The only difference, they hope, will be the ending. That’s something third-year forward Emma Woods is determined to change.
“Talking with some of the girls on last year’s team, we all have a chip on our shoulders,” Woods said. “We had a ton of confidence going into playoffs. Boston obviously had a great team but to get upset like that it is pretty much the only thing you remember from the previous season. Ever since the start of this program we’ve had the confidence to win the Isobel Cup and we’ve just fallen short.”
Woods is one of seven T6 players who has competed in each of the team’s first three seasons. During the shortened 2021 campaign, the expansion unit was crowned regular season champions but lost to Boston in a semi-final showdown. Toronto finished in second place a year ago, falling one point behind Connecticut in the final game of the 2021-22 season. They faced the Pride again in the semi-finals and lost to the eventual champions.
“Where we’re at with this league and a short season, every single game and series is so important in regard to the standings,” Woods said. “Between the top four it’s super close right now and I think it’s going to be tight right until the end. Every weekend for us is a big one. We’re not going to take Montreal lightly this weekend. These are two huge games for us, and we know they’re going to come out strong. It’s that time of year where you want to keep gaining momentum and building off it. We’re prepared for this weekend and it’s six points that we really need and that we really want.”
This weekend’s series between Toronto and Montreal has important implications within the standings, but also writes another chapter in the PHF’s new era that features two Canadian teams for the first time in its eight-year history. Woods, a proud Canadian herself, recognizes the significance of the moment.
“There’s definitely a little something added to it,” she said. “I think there will be a rivalry between our two teams. I think there was already something felt in our first series against them and it’s only going to grow. We like to play at our home rink where we bring a lot of energy and our fans do too. I’m sure that will just add to the rivalry and Montreal will probably feel that energy when they come into our building. It’s good to get up for games when there is a bit of an edge. It adds another element to the game, and I think that’s something we’ll see against Montreal.”
Woods grew up in Burford, Ontario about 90 minutes southwest of Toronto. She’s always been a Maple Leafs fan, so competition between the country’s two most prominent hockey cities comes to her naturally. After four years at Quinnipiac University and overseas opportunities in the CWHL and SDHL before joining the PHF, she also understands the pride that comes from representing your home team, something that resonates on both sides of the rivalry.
“They have a lot of pride and you can tell that from all of the players on their team who are from Quebec,” she said. “It’s good for the growth of the league and the game, and it excites me to have them as an opponent. I grew up not far from Toronto and played away from home for so long. There is a ton of pride that comes with me playing on this team. It’s more than just playing pro hockey, it’s the city I want to be in most. It’s a big reason why I take a lot of pride in my leadership on this team. I’ve been here since day one, a handful of us have, and you can feel the pride that we have in this organization and playing in this city and for this city.”
Representing her team and country also found new meaning for Woods following All-Star weekend in Toronto where she helped PHF Team Canada capture the showcase championship in front of friends and family at Mattamy Athletic Centre, the historic old Maple Leaf Gardens.
“As the league continues to grow, we’re getting a lot more skill and depth in our player pool,” Woods said. “Anytime to be chosen for an All-Star game means a lot to be recognized and it’s an honor to represent the league and this case Canada. It was definitely a cool experience for me.”
The recognition has been more than deserving for the 27-year-old who ranks sixth in PHF scoring with 19 points in 16 games following a career-high four-point performance last Sunday against Buffalo. The alternate captain is also now the franchise’s all-time leader with 41 points in 40 career games.
“Anytime you’re producing offense you build confidence so that’s something I always want to have a focus on, but at the same time it’s not something I solely focus on,” she said. “It’s important for me to be producing for my team but I think there are other aspects to my game. I like to be a complete player. I don’t like to just focus on scoring but obviously it feels good when you are, especially when you’re at this point of the season.”
And when it comes to offense, Woods says her shot is one of the strongest parts of her game.
“I don’t think I shoot enough,” she laughs. “Most coaches and teammates tell me I need to shoot the puck more, so that will be something I’m focusing on. I think when I’m moving the puck well and making plays is when I feel like I’m playing my best.”
Woods has been a consistent point producer throughout her career but has never led any of her professional or collegiate teams in scoring. The underrated label is something she uses for motivation.
“I haven’t always been given opportunities in my career so that’s something that sticks in my head,” Woods said. “I always feel like I have to prove myself, and obviously getting points and doing all of those things is something that shows you belong and can be a top forward in this league. I also have a lot of confidence in my game. I know I believe in myself but have to put in the work. It doesn’t come natural. I have to work hard to put myself in a good place to make things happen.”
So far this season, Toronto ranks second in the PHF with nearly a four goal-per-game average and leads the league with eight players producing double digit point totals. It’s something that’s helped the team build confidence and bodes well in their next battle against Montreal with four weekend series remaining on the schedule.
“We have a deep team and a lot of girls who can produce, so if we can get everyone doing that right now it’s going to be good for us heading into the playoffs,” Woods said. “I believe our team can win it this year. It’s our one goal and what we’re focused most on. The games where we start to struggle are the times when we’re not clicking as a unit, and we’ve talked a lot about that. When we have these home games, we need to take advantage of that. We have a bigger rink and can catch opponents off guard, use our speed and exploit our opponents’ weaknesses.”
Woods also knows a big part of winning is leadership, and on a team with eight PHF newcomers, she’s proud to help do her part to strengthen the character it takes to not only be Canada’s top team but the best across the entire PHF.
“Talking with some of the new girls about what it takes, anyone in this league can win on any given day and it doesn’t matter what team you’re playing you must treat every game like it’s a playoff game,” she said. “When you get to that big moment, you’re ready mentally, physically, and as a team. We’ve had a good team every year, but I think we have the right team this year to do it. We have one thing in mind, and I don’t think anyone will be satisfied unless we win the Isobel Cup. I think it deserves a chance to come to Canada.”
Cover photo by Nathan Fernandes
