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PHF Toronto Six

CHA 2019-20 Best Defender Lindsay Eastwood Joins the Toronto Six for Inaugural Season

June 16, 2020 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Toronto Six News Release


TORONTO - Syracuse captain and 2019-20 College Hockey America Best Defender Award winner Lindsay Eastwood has signed a contract to join the Toronto Six for their inaugural NWHL season.

In May, the Ottawa native was named the recipient of the prestigious Doris R. Soladay Award, given to one female and one male student-athlete at Syracuse for community involvement and "a history of positively influencing their peers personally, academically, and athletically."

Last season at Syracuse, the 6-1 defender sharedr the team lead in points and was first in assists. In 36 games, Eastwood scored 8 goals and had 20 assists for 28 points and was also named First Team All-CHA. Eastwood captained Syracuse in 2019 to the first CHA Tournament title in program history, and earned selection to the All-Tournament Team.

"I am extremely honoured and excited to sign with the Toronto Six, as being a professional hockey player has been my dream since I was a little girl," said Eastwood, 23. "As a Canadian, getting to be a part of the first Canadian team in the NWHL is very special, especially since we are one of the only professional women's sports teams in the country. I can't wait to hit the ice with my new teammates and compete for the Isobel Cup."

In 2018, Eastwood won the Syracuse 8 Courage Award, presented to a student-athlete who has "overcome challenges and demonstrated bravery in the face of adversity." Prior to her first year at Syracuse, Eastwood was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease which kept her from competing. She went on to play four seasons, the final three as a captain.

"Lindsay leaves Syracuse as one of its all-time most accomplished players," said Syracuse head coach Paul Flanagan. She is an exceptional leader who made her presence known at both ends of the ice. She not only was one of the CHA's best defenders, but a prolific scorer from the blue line. We wish Lindsay and the Toronto Six all the best this season."

In her 139-game collegiate career with Syracuse from 2016 - 2020, Eastwood was 23-52-75. With 23 goals, she is now the school's all-time leading goal scorer among defenders. Before Syracuse, Eastwood played for Canada at the U-18 World Championships in 2014 and developed as a player in the Nepean Wildcats program.

In May, Eastwood earned a master's degree in television, radio and film from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse.

"Lindsay will be an impact player for the Six right away," said Toronto GM Mandy Cronin. "She's a proven leader with great size and a strong shot from the point. We can't wait to see her in a Toronto Six jersey this season."

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