Get to know Sarah Nurse, one of the PWHL stars joining Vancouver’s new team this fall
Vancouver’s inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League team is already making waves in the hockey world with the recent signing of some big names. This week, the team announced the addition of Surrey’s Jenn Gardiner, all-star defenders Claire Thompson and Sophie Jaques, goalie Emerance Maschmeyer, and hockey legend Sarah Nurse.
Nurse, who boasts two Olympic medals (silver in 2018 and gold in 2020), has been a key player for the Toronto Sceptres since the PWHL’s inception in 2023. During the inaugural season, she tied for second in league scoring with 23 points in 24 games and was named a Second Team All-Star. Vancouver fans had the pleasure of witnessing Nurse’s skills firsthand during a sold-out PWHL game at Rogers Arena in January, where she faced off against the Montreal Victoire.
In a recent interview with CBC’s On The Coast, Nurse expressed her excitement about joining the Vancouver team. She described the move as a “whirlwind” and emphasized her eagerness to play professional hockey in a city with such a strong passion for women’s hockey.
When asked about her role with the new team, Nurse highlighted her desire to be a leader both on and off the ice. She praised her new teammates, noting the talent of defenders Thompson and Jaques, goalie Maschmeyer, and up-and-coming player Gardiner. Nurse also discussed her optimism about returning to the ice following a long-term injury and her dedication to rehabilitating her knee in preparation for the upcoming season.
Off the ice, Nurse’s contributions are just as impressive. She has been involved in various community initiatives, including hosting Nursey Nights in Toronto and advocating against racism in hockey. Nurse expressed her commitment to continuing this work in Vancouver and emphasized her passion for making the sport more inclusive and representative of Canada’s diverse society.
In addition to her own accomplishments, Nurse also took a moment to praise her cousin, Darnell Nurse, who plays for the Edmonton Oilers. She shared her pride in his success and expressed optimism about the team’s current run in the Stanley Cup finals.
Overall, Nurse’s signing with the Vancouver team represents a significant moment for women’s hockey in the city. Her talent, leadership, and dedication to community involvement make her a valuable addition to the PWHL Vancouver roster. Fans can look forward to seeing Nurse and her teammates in action when the season kicks off in November.
