The Toronto Sceptres, as most fans knew them, are no more. General manager Gina Kingsbury has overseen a major roster overhaul following the team's first playoff miss and the league's expansion, which forced a reallocation of talent to ensure competitive parity.
While holdovers like defenders Renata Fast, Allie Munroe, and Kali Flanagan, and forward Natalie Spooner return for their fourth season, more will be different than familiar once the final roster is settled. Kingsbury has had to part with Day One player Emma Maltais and others, but views the turnover as a necessary evil for the league's growth.
First-Round Pick Kirsten Simms Brings Instant Offence
Simms, drafted eighth overall in the 2026 PWHL draft, is expected to be a cornerstone for the Sceptres. Over four seasons at Wisconsin, she scored 100 goals and was considered a top-five talent in a deep draft class. Her availability at No. 8 was baffling to many, but Kingsbury is thrilled to add her offensive firepower and competitive drive.
“I’m super grateful that Toronto was the team that I landed on and that they’re the team taking a chance on me, seeing me for the player that I am … I think I’m in the perfect spot,” Simms said. “There’s a lot of veteran players I’ll get to learn from. What’s better than getting to play with a bunch of girls that have been playing for 10-plus years, but also with their national teams.”
Simms, who turns 22 in August, will be asked to offset significant offensive losses in her first pro season—a role she has already handled at Wisconsin and with the U.S. women’s national team.
Veteran Jamie Lee Rattray Adds Leadership and Consistency
Rattray, 33, joins the Sceptres as a free agent after a 12-point season with the Boston Fleet, helping them rise from a playoff miss to first overall in the PWHL. She brings leadership, offence, and intangible qualities that Kingsbury believes will be vital for a young roster.
“Honestly, I think the big thing for us (last season) was just the people in that room, right?” Rattray said. “I think you have a lot of great individuals and human beings that kind of all bought in (and) in the same direction.” She added, “I think any championship team I’ve been on or even girls that you talk to that have won championships, you have to have everybody bought in and going in the same direction.”
Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 Season
Kingsbury and the team leadership remain focused on the future. The roster is not yet complete, with re-signings and coaching staff hires still pending. After a second consecutive off-season with heavy turnover, the Sceptres are charting a new course with Simms and Rattray as key pieces, hoping that the second rebuild brings success.
