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In her first season playing professional hockey, London, Ont.’s hometown hero Nicole Gosling came out on top.
The 24-year-old defender for the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s (PWHL) Montreal Victoire said she’s “still riding the high” after her team won the league championships — making them the first Canadian team to win the title in the league’s three-season history.
“It’s just an experience that is one of its own to win that Walter Cup,” she said. “If every year’s like this, then sign me up.”
The Victoire defeated the Ottawa Charge in Game 4 of the Walter Cup finals on May 20 with a score of 4-0.
Rookie of the Year finalist
Gosling is a PWHL Rookie of the Year finalist this season, up against Casey O’Brien of the New York Sirens and Haley Winn of the Boston Fleet. Gosling tied for second in rookie scoring across the league with 19 points in 30 games.
Her secret?
“I think just being confident [and] gaining confidence throughout the season,” she said.
“You can consider ‘Rookie of the Year’ being an individual award. But honestly, if I didn’t have my teammates, I wouldn’t be up for that,” she said.
“They supported me all year. They helped me get to where I was playing by the end of the year, which I’m very thankful for. First year as a pro, you never know how you’re gonna translate out of out of college.”
Thousands of fans gathered in downtown Montreal as the Montreal Victoire celebrated their Walter Cup victory. The team made history by defeating the Ottawa Charge 4-0 to win the first Walter Cup title by a Canadian team in PWHL history.
Gosling said her “great” support system through the season helped her get to a very confident and comfortable environment, from her family to teammates, coaches and staff.
“I think that’s just what helped me thrive.”
Gosling said the Walter Cup win was extra special knowing the team had been together throughout the year without any trades.
“We were all together in this, and just being able to throw those gloves up and and celebrate with each other was was surreal.”
Great hockey city
Now, as PWHL expansion teams began the process to sign players Friday, Gosling is reflecting on her first year in the league. New teams in Hamilton, Detroit, San Jose and Las Vegas will begin play next season.
“Obviously I want to stay in Montreal, but there’s a lot of things up in the air that’s in my control, but also not in my control — so honestly, taking it day-by-day right now, just getting ready.”
Gosling is not one of the three protected players on the team, so could end up moving cities.
Montreal is a “great hockey city,” she said. Fans show up every game, and no matter how many people are cheering in the stands, it’s loud.
“They bring us so much momentum. They cheer for everything, no matter if it’s just a chance, starting up, heading down the ice,” she said.
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