PHF Toronto Six

Grant-Mentis Excited to Make History at Home

November 20, 2021 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Toronto Six News Release


The anticipation for November 20, 2021 has been building long before the date was officially declared as part of the Premier Hockey Federation calendar.

It's finally time for the Toronto Six home opener where PHF history will be made at Canlan York with the first-ever puck drop and game on Canadian ice.

For Mikyla Grant-Mentis, no stranger to PHF history of her own, it's a dream come true.

"I don't even have words," said Grant-Mentis. "Everybody is excited. I'm playing at home for the first time in over five years. Saturday's game will be the first time my whole family will be there to watch me."

The 23-year-old from Brampton, Ontario played her junior hockey for the Mississauga Chiefs during the 2015-16 season before embarking on a star-studded NCAA career at Merrimack College. She's one of 19 Canadian players on the T6 roster and estimates between 30-40 family and friends will be in attendance.

"Literally every single family member," she laughs. "It's the reason I signed to play in my hometown. Last year with COVID-19 it was disappointing not having the opportunity to play at home. Now we finally get that chance to play. Once the schedule was set and we saw our home opener it was a surreal feeling."

Toronto was granted an expansion franchise in April, 2020 ahead of Season 6. The pandemic confined 2021 competition to Lake Placid forcing fans to follow their new favorite team through digital means.

"We definitely felt their support but 100 percent it will be a different atmosphere now that our fans can finally see us play in person. It will be much more supportive and I'm excited to see it."

Grant-Mentis became the ninth athlete to sign with Toronto in May, 2020 after an impressive three-game professional debut with the Buffalo Beauts to end Season 5. She took the PHF by storm in her first full campaign becoming the most decorated player in a single season with a record four awards.

She is the first Black player and Canadian in league history to be voted Most Valuable Player and Newcomer of the Year. She was also one of six Foundation Award recipients in recognition of her community efforts and was one of the Fans' Three Stars of the Season.

"A league award is a huge accomplishment. This season I'd like to perform again to my abilities and raise my game to be the best player I can for the Toronto Six."

A year ago Grant-Mentis scored five goals and four assists for nine points in six games then added a goal and an assist in semifinal action. She opened the 2021-22 season with three assists in a 4-3 victory over the Beauts, extending her point streak to seven games while continuing to display her offensive versatility.

"I think of pass first before shooting. But there are definitely times I see opportunities to score and take my shot. I change my role as the plays need it to change."

Perhaps most impressive about Grant-Mentis' breakout season was the impact she had among her teammates. Together they established a winning culture in Toronto from the very beginning as the Six captured a regular-season title in Lake Placid.

"Last year we got along so well, like a well-oiled machine. Everybody was on the same page. We are all like best friends in the locker room. Digit (Murphy) finds players with high competitive levels but also people who are respectful and can gel together. I feel like that's what we have now and will make us so strong again."

That chemistry will be important in their quest to bring the Isobel Cup north of the border with a roster that includes 11 new players. Among them is free-agent acquisition Saroya Tinker, who as a rookie became the first Black player to be chosen for the Denna Laing Award. Off the ice, Toronto appointed Mark Joslin head coach, Hockey Hall of Famer Angela James an assistant coach, and Krysti Clarke as general manager. They are all the first Black people to hold their respective positions in PHF history.

"It feels more like a community," Grant-Mentis said. "Having Mark as a coach, for example, reminds me so much of my Dad. We have a great relationship."

The historical significance is not lost on Grant-Mentis who recognizes the influence they can have on the next generation who will be watching them take on the Connecticut Whale as part of the sold-out crowds expected this weekend.

"Representation matters. I hope what we accomplish allows others to do the same."



Premier Hockey Federation Stories from November 20, 2021


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