Nurse, Turnbull, Fast join Toronto PWHL team
The Toronto PWHL franchise signed forwards Sarah Nurse and Blayre Turnbull and defenseman Renata Fast, the team announced Wednesday.
All three players inked three-year pacts through the 2025-26 campaign, but salary terms were not disclosed, as per the PWHL Players' Association.
"We are beyond excited and proud of the three foundation players we have signed," general manager Gina Kingsbury said in a statement. "For us, it was all about them as a group, building a puzzle that we knew would work well together and give us the best foundation to our team's success.
"When I think of the qualities of this group, I think of character, leadership, and talent. A combination we believe we can build upon in the draft and for years to come."
Nurse is one of the most recognizable stars in the sport, as she graced the cover of the NHL 23 video game with Anaheim Ducks phenom Trevor Zegras. On the international stage with Canada, she's won an Olympic gold medal, two World Championship golds, and a U18 gold.
Nurse, 28, played four years at Wisconsin before turning pro. She's recorded 19 points in 12 career Olympic games and 23 points in 28 career World Championship contests.
The Hamilton, Ontario, native comes from a highly athletic family. Her cousins Darnell (Edmonton Oilers defenseman) and Kia (Seattle Storm guard) are both professional athletes, and her uncle is former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb.
"Growing up so close to the city and getting to watch so many professional teams thrive in the market, I have always seen Toronto as the mecca of hockey and pictured myself representing the city on a larger stage," Nurse said. "It is surreal to finally have that dream come to life."
Nurse turned down multiple offers and more money in order to sign with Toronto, reports The Athletic's Hailey Salvian.
Turnbull is a longtime teammate of Nurse with Wisconsin at the NCAA level and with Canada internationally. She's also won an Olympic gold medal and a pair of World Championship gold medals. The 30-year-old Nova Scotia native has notched 10 points in 12 career Olympic games and 20 points in 37 career World Championship contests.
"I am extremely honoured to have been selected as one of the first players to sign a professional contract in the PWHL," Turnbull said. "To have the opportunity to be a part of a franchise in such a great sports city like Toronto is super exciting and I can't wait to get started!"
Fast, 28, is another veteran of the Canadian international team, having won an Olympic gold medal and two World Championship gold medals. The Clarkson University alumnus has registered a combined 25 points in 45 games between the Olympics and World Championships.
"I am looking forward to helping set a standard of excellence both on the ice and within our community to grow the game of hockey for everyone and continue Toronto's legacy as one of the world's preeminent hockey cities," she said.
PWHL teams have until Sept. 10 to sign up to three players before the league's inaugural draft on Sept. 18. Toronto owns the second overall pick in the serpentine formation selection process.