FTB: PWHL training camp shows how far women's hockey has come

Training camp is underway in the PWHL, with media day, testing, and introductions happening in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Minnesota, Boston, and New York. It's an exciting day for Women's hockey, especially considering the now-appropriate standard of facilities the players and teams are now able to work from. Here's a quick journey around what the new top professional women's hockey league looks like:

Toronto – the Toronto (maybe Torch???) are using the Ford Performance Centre in Etobicoke as their regular practice facility and home base, with games played at Mattamy Athletic Centre. Run by the Leafs, the training and medical facilities are top of the line, as are the many ice sheets. The players have been waiting for this for generations, it may seem like a small thing for NHL fans, but it's a big deal here (depressing, but still true).

Boston – branding, lounges, offices, state-of-the-art training facilities for the team setting themselves up in the Boston suburb of Wellesley.

Ottawa – I hate to admit it, but Ottawa had the most adorable first day of camp. They are rooming with the Ottawa 67s at TD Place at Lansdowne PArk, south of the main town. The junior team gifted the PWHLers friendship bracelets and swag at stalls!

Ottawa also got some love from the local community, with local minor hockey teams writing messages and drawing art.

Here's a rundown of the first day from Karissa Donkin at CBC.

‘Day 1 of the dream job’: PWHL opens training camps in all 6 markets | CBC Sports

Wednesday was the first time players in all six of the league’s markets got together for the first time. They spent much of the day meeting their new teammates and doing off-ice testing before hitting the ice for the first time later this week.

CBCKarissa Donkin

Also in PWHL news, (I really want to say the Torch, I really like the name!) Toronto signed Hannah Miller, who was one of the top players in the Russian women's hockey league. She was drafted 74th overall by Toronto.

Cathy has the rosters below:

PWHL Training Camp Begins

Training camp rosters, signing tracker and all the details you need for this phase of the first PWHL season.

PPP LeafsCathy Squires

Here are some quotes from the Toronto players and staff on the first day of school.

‘This is years in the making’: Training camp begins for members of Toronto’s PWHL team | CBC Sports

Gina Kingsbury and Troy Ryan guided Canada to back-to-back world women’s hockey championships in 2021 and 2022 and Olympic gold last year in Beijing. They’re hoping for the same level of success with Toronto’s entry in the new Professional Women’s Hockey League.

CBCGregory Strong

PWHL advisory board member and de-facto spokesman, Stan Kasten, says the ticket deposit drive was very strong for the league. The PWHL also has a goal to televise every game in every market this season, not just stream. That's a big step from the CWHL, PHF/NWHL, and PWHPA, and with it will come sustainable revenue.

Various Leafs and Branches

Can both Minten and Cowan make the WJC team?

Will Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan Make Canada’s World Junior Team?

The more this season has gone on, the more I’ve been posting articles and gifs and videos on Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan. They’re two of Toronto’s top prospects, so of course I would. And of course, there are many Leafs fans who are keenly interested in them and their development.

PPP LeafsBrian S

Cowan might sneak in! He's on pace for 122 points, which would have led the OHL last season!

Where in the world is John Klingberg? Wait, don't tell me, I don't want to know.

Or maybe... Christmas 2023?

I wish the Leafs brought Dennis Hildeby with them to Sweden, but he's doing amazingly well for the Toronto Marlies in his first season here and getting some lines in the local newspaper.

Calm and confident Hildeby emerging as Leafs goalie of the future

After consecutive shutouts, Dennis Hildeby’s save percentage is up to .950 in four games with Marlies. The 22-year-old Swede credits a mental coach and increased comfort with the North American game for a strong start. Hildeby is taking things one day at a time, but also isn’t putting a limit on wha…

TSN

"The innocent Palestinians deaths and casualties must not be ignored, prompting a responsibility to call for an immediate ceasefire. My hope is for a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace, security, and prosperity." - Nazem Kadri.

Meanwhile, here's a story on the Flames players getting thrown for a loop from Zadorov's trade request.

Valji: Calgary Flames focused on homestand amid off-ice roster distractions | TSN

Defenceman Nikita Zadorov’s name is not the only one circulating in the rumour mill in Calgary these days, but between now and the NHL trade deadline in March the Flames will have to handle the external noise that comes with pending free agents and an expected roster reset, Salim Valji writes.

TSNSalim Valji

Also out west, the story behind the Vancouver Canucks Diwali Night logo! Lets go!!