PHF Toronto Six

Darkangelo and Six Dialed in During First Toronto Season

January 9, 2022 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Toronto Six News Release


There's no place like home.

The sentiment rings true for the 2021-22 edition of the Toronto Six who have enjoyed a happy holiday by holding first place in the Premier Hockey Federation standings through the first half of the schedule. The success is in large part given comfort and success they've had in games north of the border during this historic season.

"It's kind of crazy to think that we're halfway through (the season)," says Toronto captain Shiann Darkangelo. "I feel like it's flown by to be completely honest. Last year wasn't really a normal season, and this year kind of has its ups and downs as well. Being here and actually having some fans, and really the first time playing in front of the crowd, just that in itself I think has been exciting for everybody.

"To be able to have our parents see us play, and family members, friends, or girls who coach teams to have them come to the rink and support us has been really cool and the reason that we all play."

The Six are undefeated through four games on Canadian ice that included a sweep over the second-place Connecticut Whale. They're now staring down a second-half schedule with ample opportunity to keep the momentum in their favor.

"I feel like everyone got super excited to have the first home game in Toronto. That was huge. No matter what season or league you play in there is home-ice advantage. You don't have to worry about traveling or sleeping in a new place. When you're at home, you're at home. You're in the routine that you're used to. Going to the rink, everything feels more comfortable. I think at home everyone gets a little bit more excited and it's always fun to play in front of your home fans. This year feels more like the first season."

Even if this feels like a season of firsts, it's not the first time the Six have been in first place. During the shortened Lake Placid campaign the expansion club finished on top with a 4-1-1 record and earned a semifinal berth against Boston. The Pride went on to win the Isobel Cup and are so far responsible for the only blemishes on Toronto's 7-1-1 record.

"Obviously it would be awesome to not have any losses on our record but it's stuff that we can build off of," Darkangelo says. "It helps you to refocus and believe in the systems that we have going here and keep people on board to stay together. We have a great group and everybody has bought into the system and what the coaches have drawn up for us, and obviously, we have had success so far with it. We're excited to keep moving forward."

Toronto has had the good fortune of facing every PHF team at least once so far on the schedule, but is there comfort in that familiarity?

"It can help and hurt you at the same time," Darkangelo says. "You can't take any team lightly. It is nice knowing we have played all of the teams, and we kind of know what to expect to a certain point. Our season isn't that long so we don't have time for ups and downs. It's really important for us to take each game serious and focus on what's worked for us, what we can be better at, and build on that as a team moving into the second half."

Perhaps the most comfort Toronto has is in the crease where Elaine Chuli has been superb earning Player of the Month honors for December. That, and their widespread scoring that has seen a PHF high 12 different players find the back of the net.

"Goaltending has been a huge part in the success of the team," Darkangelo says. "Elaine has definitely stood on her head for us and that's been helpful as players knowing that your last line of defense is solid in net. There are big momentum swings in a game and if your goalie can stop it you can build more momentum on the front end. There's also been a decent amount of different people scoring. Teams win if they're playing together. If we can continue to have different lines producing for us it will help us down the road."

For Darkangelo, communication has also been a key under coaches Mark Joslin and Angela James, along with the bonds her and her teammates have been building.

"It's helpful when people are open and we have good communication," she says. "People being flexible within our organization, learning from each other and being open to new ideas. Honestly we just have a great group that meshes pretty well. We have a lot of fun in the locker room, off ice and away from the rink, the team chemistry makes a big difference."

The 28-year-old from Royal Oak, Michigan is also on track for her best of four PHF seasons with eight points through nine games, not to mention her faceoff proficiency (.614) that is among the best in the PHF.

"I'm just having fun like I always have with hockey. I still love the game. I've been working hard, staying in shape, and good things have come from it. I'll continue to do that until I don't love it anymore."

Darkangelo's contributions were recognized by her peers who voted her one of three players to serve as a captain for the 2022 PHF All-Star Showcase. It's an event scheduled for January 29 in Toronto where home ice could once again give her the edge.

"It's all fun stuff, but obviously you want to win. We're all competitive. I'm super honored to be picked as one of the captains. I've played in All-Star games before and they're exciting and fun weekends to look forward to. Playing with other players in the league, and having fun with everybody."

Her previous All-Star experiences were actually the first two in league history back in 2016 and 2017. The Quinnipiac University graduate was part of the league's early foundation that included stints with the Whale and Isobel Cup champion Buffalo Beauts before exploring opportunities in the CWHL and PWHPA.

"I'm excited where things are at, where they've gone, the different changes that have been made," Darkangelo says of the PHF's new era. "Tyler definitely paved the way for us and I really believe in the things that she's done for the league and continues to do. We might not be where we want to be but we're definitely moving forward into a direction of where we want to go. It's exciting to be a part of and still be able to play and help grow the sport. It's exciting to see that we still have a group of girls and leaders and people that are trying to move the needle forward and do things to grow the sport so that young girls actually still have a place to continue playing after college."

The competitive captain is now an integral part of growing the game in a Canadian city that is hungry for a championship, and with a team that has shown they're capable of contending.

"I'm proud of our team and where we're at and excited to see where we can continue to go with the momentum that we've built into the second half. We definitely have a target on our backs and we can't take any game or team lightly."

Toronto's next opponent is Buffalo who come to visit January 15-16, however given COVID-19 restrictions across Ontario it'll truly put Six home ice advantage to the test without fans.

"Every team had a break. Even if it wasn't halfway through their season it's a regroup and you're excited to be back. We need to take advantage of the home ice, whether we have fans or not."



Premier Hockey Federation Stories from January 9, 2022


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