With the NWHL’s season six bubble just two weeks away in Lake Placid, New York, the Toronto Six have continued to prepare while bolstering their roster with some last minute signings. That being said, as skates continue at Canlan, the team announced the signings on Tuesday of Taytum Clairmont, Julie Allen and Megan Quinn.
Taytum Clairmont, 24-years-old, had joined alliances in July with the PWHPA, however, after being left off the hub rosters, that left the Waterloo native seeking other opportunities. Speaking of which, Clairmont, a right-handed shooter, has spent the last two seasons with the Waterloo Warriors.
In 2019-20, the five-foot-five forward received recognition as female athlete of the year. Appearing on TSN and Sportsnet, Clairmont had the best season statistically in the 18-year history of the women’s Warriors hockey program. Named as a First-Team All-Star, Clairmont scored 11 goals in 23 games played.
As well, she led the OUA in both points and assists with 28 and 17. Doing so, Clairmont was named as OUA Player of the Year as well as Forward of the Year. According to the official press release, Clairmont was the first player in Warriors history to lead the league in scoring.
During her tenure at Waterloo, she was recognized as a U SPORTS Second-Team All-Canadian and was named in November U SPORTS Athlete of the Month. While there, she led the Warriors in scoring in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
For Clairmont, 2019-20 was her fifth full season of collegiate hockey. Before making the transition to Waterloo, she spent three seasons playing in the NCAA. Doing so for the Northeastern Huskies, Clairmont scored 13 goals along with 37 points.
In a statement from Shaun Reagan on Tuesday, head coach of the Warriors women’s hockey team, he said of what the forward accomplished, “We are all incredibly proud of Taytum who has worked so hard to reach this level. We know she will be very successful as part of the Six.”
As for Taytum Clairmont herself, she said of the chance to make the leap up to pro, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Toronto Six. The T6 roster is a passionate and hard-working group of players and coaches which is an atmosphere I thrive in. I believe my skill and tenacity will be a great addition to the team chemistry.”
Clairmont was not the only forward signed by Toronto on Tuesday for the upcoming season. They also signed forward Julie Allen, who last played as a pro with the Toronto Furies. Allen is a Clarkson Cup champion, having captured the cup back in 2014.
Through five seasons in the CWHL, Allen played in a total of 102 games. A native of Brampton, Ontario, Allen spent all five with the Toronto Furies. Now 33-years-old, the righty looks to continue where it is she left off.
With the Furies, she recorded 10 goals along with 16 assists, amassing 26 points. She also helped lead Toronto to three straight appearances in the Clarkson Cup Playoffs. The Puck Authority spoke on Monday with Sami Jo Small, former Furies GM. Asked for added insight on Julie Allen, Small spoke very highly of what she brings to the franchise. “A veteran of the Furies, Julie incredibly came back to the CWHL after a few years out of elite hockey post college. She made an immediate impact in the dressing room where her enthusiasm and energy helped lead the Furies to a Clarkson Cup title. On the ice, she has great hands and is a big presence in front of the opponents net allowing for not only screens but redirect and rebound opportunities that she often capitalizes on.”
Being able to return to the ice, the New Hampshire alumna said Tuesday in a statement, “Joining the Six is an opportunity to continue my playing career and reunite with some former teammates. I feel like I’ll add a physical edge to a very talented and skilled group and bring high energy on and off the ice.”
Adding a defender to the mix, the Toronto Six have also signed Megan Quinn. Quinn, 24-years-old, becomes the team’s fifth defender going into the bubble. Quinn last played as a pro with the Toronto Furies in the CWHL.
In doing so, she joined Julie Allen for what would be her first in 2018-19. Quinn did so after spending four years with the Syracuse Orange in the NCAA. Throughout her collegiate hockey career, the righty scored 14 goals along with 29 assists, amassing 43 points.
Following the season, she was chosen by Toronto, selected 30th overall in the draft’s sixth round. In her lone season before the league closed their doors, Quinn helped guide the Furies to the CWHL Semifinal. Skating in 28 games, she only racked up four points, tallying one goal and three assists.
Speaking on the former Toronto rookie, Small said of the potential that she brings to the ice, “While only with the Furies for one year, she made an immediate impact on a stellar defensive core. She has incredible vision and is very patient with the puck. She has the ability to make a great first pass but follows it up with speed providing support to offensive rushes.”
In a statement from Digit Murphy, head coach and president of the Toronto Six, she said of how the three fit Toronto’s direction, “Julie, Megan, and Taytum bring the depth and experience we will need for the Lake Placid bubble. All three of these players love playing the game and are on board with our mission and quest to win the Isobel Cup. Taytum is a seasoned player with experience at several levels who will fit perfectly into our offensive scheme. Julie is a veteran who has been around professional hockey for years and adds experience and wisdom to our on ice and locker room culture. Megan impressed us with her fitness levels and instincts at defence and will strengthen our depth on the back end.”