The transition to professional sports can be daunting for any rookie, but the Toronto Sceptres' newest additions are proving they belong on the ice. Top draft picks Emma Gentry and Kiara Zanon have quickly adapted to the Professional Women's Hockey League, with Zanon making an immediate offensive impact.
Familiar Faces Ease Transition
Finding chemistry off the ice has helped the young players develop their game on it. The Sceptres' draft strategy brought together four players who already shared history through the U.S. under-18 national team program. This existing familiarity has accelerated their adjustment to professional hockey in a new city.
Emma Gentry and Kiara Zanon were the first to arrive in Toronto, quickly securing living arrangements together. Teammates Clara Van Wieren and Hanna Baskin later found housing nearby, creating a support system that extends beyond the rink. The players acknowledged that the immediate personal connections made the professional transition significantly smoother.
Early On-Ice Success
While all four rookies have shown promise in practices, Gentry and Zanon have earned more substantial playing time in the early season. Their performances haven't gone unnoticed by head coach Troy Ryan, who praised both players after their PWHL debuts.
The spotlight found Zanon particularly bright when she scored the game-winning goal in the Sceptres' season opener against Minnesota. Remarkably, this marked her third goal in three contests when including preseason matches against Ottawa. Despite the early scoring success, Zanon remains focused on broader development.
"I don't even think I've started," Zanon said about establishing herself in the league. "I feel like I have so much to learn. Obviously, I want to produce, and that remains a goal. But a big part for me is I want to be consistent and be thorough."
Coach's Perspective on Rookie Development
Head coach Troy Ryan expressed optimism about his young players, noting that their coachability might be their most valuable attribute. "They are both very open to suggestions and comments," Ryan observed, "so that just makes me feel they will continue to get better."
Regarding Zanon specifically, Ryan appreciated her complete approach to the game. "She is playing the right way," he noted. "There is not a lot of gambling in how she is playing. You even see her chipping some pucks in and getting some pucks deep and forechecking, some of the more boring stuff that sometimes a young, skilled player won't do."
Currently, Ryan has the two rookies playing on the same line, capitalizing on their existing chemistry. While Zanon did see some shifts with veterans Emma Maltais and Natalie Spooner when Daryl Watts was injured, the coach appears content keeping the newcomers together for now.
Injury Update: Watts Sidelined
The Sceptres will be without last season's leading scorer Daryl Watts for at least the next game as she recovers from a head injury. The incident occurred during the third period of Friday's game in Minnesota when Watts was hit by Frost rookie Abby Hustler, causing her head to strike the dasher boards.
Though Watts initially returned to finish the game, she hasn't participated in practice this week. Coach Ryan indicated the team is taking a cautious approach but doesn't anticipate a long-term absence. "I don't think this is a long-term thing," Ryan stated. "I know she met with medical and they are not too concerned with long term."
As the Sceptres continue their season, the integration of their young talent alongside established veterans will be crucial to their success. The early returns suggest the team's draft strategy is already paying dividends.
