Victoria Bach, Toronto’s seventh-round pick (38th overall) in the inaugural PWHL draft, is set to be a valuable addition to the team. However, she won’t be part of the active roster until February 1, following the completion of her degree and her ability to commit full time to the league. Despite being a likely higher pick, all teams were aware of her availability timeline.
As the final 23-player active rosters are being unveiled, it’s confirmed that the Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Champion won’t be on Toronto’s active list. The 27-year-old forward is currently focused on completing her teacher’s certification, a commitment she started before the PWHL was established.
Toronto’s general manager, Gina Kingsbury, has expressed full support for Bach’s situation, acknowledging her inability to commit full time at the moment. Bach has been part of the team’s training camp, playing in all three preseason games during the league’s recent five-day training camp in Utica, NY.
Bach’s case underscores the league’s commitment to incorporating the world’s top women’s hockey players. Another example is Kendall Coyne Schofield, a U.S. national team player and Olympic gold medalist with a three-year contract with the Minnesota PWHL franchise. Currently not participating full time due to recently becoming a mother, Coyne Schofield is expected to join the team on a full-time basis in the new year.
All six teams will finalize their rosters with 23 active players and two reserves per team, with full rosters becoming public on Tuesday. The league kicks off on January 1, with Toronto hosting New York in a New Year’s Day matinee at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.
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