After finishing the regular season with the Colgate Raiders of the NCAA, the Toronto Six announced on Monday morning the signing of Canadian forward Breanne Wilson-Bennett.
Wilson-Bennett, 24-years-old, is a veteran member of the Colgate Raiders where she spent four seasons in Division I hockey before making the jump to pro in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. Speaking of her ECAC days, the native of Markham racked up 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points. She did so through 41 games in her senior season before signing with MODO.
As if that wasn’t enough, the left-handed shooter was successful during face-offs where the centreman dominated at 64.5 percent. Weighing in at 5’4, the forward’s efforts impressed so much that she found herself named to the All-NCAA Tournament Team. Not only that, but in the same season, Wilson-Bennett was named by ECAC to the women’s second All-USCHO Team.
As per the official press release, Wilson-Bennett had her greatest game in the biggest moment of the college hockey season. It was at the NCAA Tournament semifinal where she racked up three goals against the Wisconsin Badgers. This included the last goal to win it at 16:03 of double overtime.
Completing her career with the Raiders, Wilson-Bennett leaves the Colgate hockey program with 49 goals through 147 games played. Putting these numbers together since having debuted back in 2014, Wilson-Bennett added 52 helpers which made for a total of 101 points. Being a multi-sport athlete, Wilson-Bennett was also active on land, winning numerous events while taking part in the javelin throw.
Agreeing to a contract on Monday, Wilson-Bennett makes the trip home to Canada and becomes the 15th player to sign on with the expansion team. In a statement from Greg Fargo on Monday, head coach of the Colgate Raiders, he said of the Canadian’s abilities, “Breanne is a true competitor – tenacious and driven. When she sets her mind to something, there is nothing that will get in her way. She’s a great teammate and leader that will push herself and her teammates to new heights, so she’s a perfect person to play a role in bringing the NWHL to Toronto. If I was starting a program, I’d want Breanne on my team.”
Wilson-Bennett is not alone to have signed in Toronto from Division I hockey. As she prepares to join the Toronto Six, the highly skilled forward joins Shiann Darkangelo, Sarah-Eve Coutu Godbout and Mikyla Grant-Mentis. Alongside them are Amy Curlew and Brooke Boquist as well as Jenna McParland, Taylor Woods and Kelly Babstock.
Discussing her excitement to keep playing with the league’s sixth team on home ice in Toronto, Wilson-Bennett said in a statement on Monday, “We have a fantastic group of women at the Toronto Six and I am so grateful to be a part of this team. The NWHL is a very strong league and I cannot wait to compete against such great athletes. I am looking forward to the start of a great season, and I am beyond excited to be playing for the newest professional team in Toronto.”
Reflecting on her first pro season, Wilson-Bennett played in 21 games where she scored eight goals with MODO Hockey in Sweden. She also added 12 assists which made for a total of 20 points registered. Prior to her days with the Raiders, Wilson-Bennett played with Hockey Canada in Heinola, Finland at the U-18 World Championship. It was there she won her first gold medal while she then won another in 2014.
Starting the season back home, Breanne Wilson-Bennett was labeled as captain of the Toronto Jr. Aeros in the PWHL. Leading by example with grace, she guided Team Ontario Red to the U-18 National Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
In a statement from Mandy Cronin, general manager of the Toronto Six, she said of the team’s newest forward, “Breanne brings a wealth of experience and a lot skill. From day one, she’s going to be an impact player for the Six.”