Accursi Building Something Special in Buffalo
Published on December 18, 2021 under Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Buffalo Beauts News Release
It didn't take long for Taylor Accursi to check off one of the boxes on her list of goals for the 2021-22 Premier Hockey Federation season.
That goal was a single point, which just so happened to be a goal scored in the third period of the Buffalo Beauts home opener to take over first place on the franchise's all-time points list.
"It was a long time coming," Accursi said. "Not playing last year I had a whole season to think about being one point away. It was awesome to get it at home. It's an honor to be part of that history and I wouldn't change it for anything."
The 26-year-old missed the shortened 2021 campaign for work commitments but marked her return with record setting point number 43 spread out over 53 games in four seasons since 2017-18. It separates her from Kourtney Kunichika and Corinne Buie who both had 42 points in 50 and 72 games respectively. Accursi also holds the franchise record for career goals with 27, and counting, and can recall several memorable marks along the way.
"My first goal against Connecticut was one to remember because it got the ball rolling for me with confidence in the league. Players against me haven't made it easy, either, so hats off to them for making me the best player I can be."
Accursi made quite the immediate impression with a two-goal game against the Whale to launch her first PHF season, then scored three more times over her next two games. During the 2019-20 season she tallied a hat-trick against Minnesota in the midst of a five-game goal-streak, then scored a record four goals in the span of 7:29 in the PHF's first ever outdoor game.
"The outdoor game was pretty awesome. I definitely thought about every season in Buffalo and everybody who has been part of this (record) moment. I wanted to get it (the record) over with early. My goal is to be bringing home an Isobel Cup."
The all-important championship goal is something that's eluded Accursi throughout her PHF career to date. The Beauts won their lone title in 2017, just months before the Mercyhurst University graduate arrived on the scene. The 2022 Isobel Cup Playoffs are a long ways away, but this year's rendition of the Beauts have an uphill battle as they play catch-up with the schedule that's given them just three games and one win through six weeks.
"Our first three games were more of a wakeup call for what we can expect this season," Accursi said. "Lots of girls are new out of college. Both Toronto and Metropolitan are good teams, but we need to move ourselves into a new gear."
The Beauts are one of the youngest and most inexperienced teams in the PHF. They have 10 newcomers including five players who were chosen in the 2021 draft. The co-captain doesn't consider herself a vocal leader but has plenty of experience to dwell on when offering up advice.
"This is a great league. Every team is tough. We have to put our head down and compete every shift. People were playing nervous, which is natural for new players, but once that first period goes away everyone needs to focus on their roles and what they're good at and what they are there for."
Accursi believes this year's team has a lot of offensive talent which may relieve some of the pressure for her to be a sole point producer.
"If I'm on the scoresheet and we win, I feel like I've done my job," she said. "I feel responsible in that area. The scoresheet so far hasn't shown how much talent we have. I trust this group and other players to contribute and help the team win."
The self-described goal scorer also enjoys putting her teammates in a position to find twine and has found early chemistry with linemates like second round pick Anjelica Diffendal and fellow veteran Cassidy MacPherson who both lead the Beauts out the gate with four points in three games.
"I trust Jel (Anjelica). She reads situations very well which is a great quality to have. Cass (Cassidy) is a 200-foot centre who does all the little things offensively and defensively to make a difference."
The Beauts also pride themselves on character and building strong bonds off the ice, which is something Accursi sees developing over time as the season evolves.
"The Beauts are always a family-oriented group," she says. "It's important to build those relationships with other girls. The tighter the group the more momentum we can carry. I think the girls are close but there's a lot more to come."
What comes next for the Beauts are home dates with the Whale who have won two-straight games and sit second in the overall standings.
"Connecticut is always a hard-working team and hard work wins hockey games," Accursi said. "If we focus on our game and bring it 100% it will be a fun weekend for both teams."
Saturday's game will be the first for Buffalo since November 21 after the postponement of last weekend's trip to Minnesota.
"Considering the start we had, we're taking the positives," she said. "It's a restart. It sucks not playing for so long but we've used the time to improve areas of our team and get hungrier for a busy second half. Momentum will help us prepare for what's to come."
As for Accursi, the native of Ancaster, Ontario, is excited that the season will provide her another opportunity to play close to home as she continues to help the PHF grow and commit everything she has to the Beauts organization she loves.
"I think the PHF has done a fabulous job," Accursi said. "Bringing a team in like Toronto so more people can see women not only play but play at a high level with intensity. There's no other league that I would like to be in to showcase my skills.
"Buffalo is my home away from home. They've built a fanbase and I've gotten to know everyone on a personal level. I'm all about opportunity and they've been nothing but great for me."
Premier Hockey Federation Stories from December 18, 2021
- Accursi Building Something Special in Buffalo - Buffalo Beauts
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