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PHF Connecticut Whale

Milestone Part of a Night to Remember for Turner

January 16, 2022 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Connecticut Whale News Release


It was no ordinary day in Danbury.

The Connecticut Whale returned from a four-week holiday hiatus to beat the Metropolitan Riveters for their seventh win in 11 games to officially mark the second half of their 2021-22 Premier Hockey Federation schedule. The second-place club is having their best season since the inaugural campaign and were wearing custom-designed purple jerseys to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's.

But most special of all, a pre-game celebration to pay tribute to captain Shannon Turner playing in her 100th career regular-season game.

"It was one of those games that I will remember for the rest of my life," Turner said post-game. "This team is filled with outstanding people from staff, to coaches, to my teammates and their efforts to celebrate with me demonstrated how special this group is; I am lucky to be part of it."

It's a group Turner has been impressively part of for the duration of her professional career. The Boston University graduate went from the Terriers straight to the Whale in 2015-16 and hasn't looked back. The defender is one of only five players to compete in all seven PHF seasons and becomes just the third in history to reach the century club for career games following Boston's Jillian Dempsey and Kaleigh Fratkin.

"I think it has sunk in both mentally and physically that I have reached this milestone," says the 29-year-old from Markham, Ontario. "Reflecting on the kind of player I was in year one to who I am now I am proud of my growth as a player and how I have kept some of my staple traits but evolved to be an even more reliable defender for my team. I'm thankful that I was able to reach this milestone this year."

Turner was selected by PHF coaches as a mid-season All-Star, on pace for perhaps the best statistical totals of her tenure with a club that has one of the most potent offenses. The PHF's shot block leader also fittingly found the scoresheet on Saturday with her first goal of the season and has six assists for seven points. Her career high is 11 points over 24 games in 2019-20, amassing 45 points all-time along with countless memories.

"The first-ever NWHL game and being part of that special Season 1 group that helped establish the league," Turner says when asked about notable moments she's enjoyed on her journey to 100 games. "My first goal in Boston with some broken fingers was a special game. My first All-Star Game in Nashville was amazing. Such an awesome event. Having my niece come on the ice with me when we played at Bridgeport. That was a special moment to see her skate out during lineup announcements. I can't wait to watch her play in the PHF one day!

"Being part of all the firsts for my teammates. First goals, first shifts, first shutouts. They are all so special to me."

There's no denying that Turner has experienced the full evolution of the PHF and takes pride in contributing to the success of a platform near and dear to her heart.

"Whenever you are starting something new it is never going to be easy or without bumps in the road," she says. "I'm proud of the work that the OG (original) players, still playing or retired, put into this dream and believed that the NWHL was going to be the future of professional hockey. Each year I have celebrated signings of new talents, and players who were still in high school when this journey began. That is what it is all about. The PHF is now the premier place for players to continue their careers."

Connecticut is the only team among the founding four members who haven't yet hoisted the Isobel Cup. There isn't anybody better than Turner to provide insight into what makes this year's edition of The Pod different than those before them and speak about the potential they possess.

"I will sound like a broken record on this one, but all seven Whale teams have been special to me," she says. "This group is a unique mix of grit and skill. We have many players that can make highlight-reel plays every night and everyone on the team is willing to block shots, get in the corners, and dig deep when they are tired. I think this group can do what no other Whale team has because of this mix of skill but also heart. We all trust and believe in the player sitting next to us and it feels good to know that you have the support of your teammates and that your teammates have your back when you go to battle."

Whether or not a championship title is part of the Whale's future, the success of Turner's career can be measured by far more than just on-ice achievements. She continues to find creative ways to be a difference maker for countless lives within her community with campaigns such as 'Blocks for Books' in 2019-20 and this year's #BlockingOutTheStigma program.

"I've been very fortunate with the support I have received from fans, teammates, and family with my initiatives," Turner said. "Blocks for Books helped children that we will never meet have books they deserve to have. I think that is incredible to stop and think about. So many people are willing to help others that they will never meet.

"This year, I am raising money for Active Minds to bring awareness to mental health, more specifically, mental health amongst high school athletes. Being a prep school coach and a middle school teacher this is very close to my heart. Everyone needs support and my Whale teammates rallied around me when I brought this initiative to them to start the year. They all wear helmet decals with me that remind us that it is about 'Progress, not Perfection'. Both in hockey and in life."

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