Three summers back, Daryl Watts experienced a wave of jealousy as she scrolled through videos of friends practicing hockey on the ice. While she, a former recipient of the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award for the best player in women’s college hockey, was interning in commercial real estate in downtown Toronto. Initially, Watts saw this 2022 summer job as the beginning of a new chapter after concluding her college career at the University of Wisconsin and retiring from hockey.
However, her love for the sport prevailed, prompting her to lace up her skates again just 10 months after retirement. In an interview with CBC Sports, Watts expressed her gratitude for being back on the ice, emphasizing that hockey is her true calling and passion.
Now at 26, Watts is vying for a spot on the Canadian Olympic team, a dream she has nurtured since childhood. Recently named among the 30 players invited to Hockey Canada’s training camp roster, she is set to head to Calgary for the team’s upcoming training sessions.
A decade ago, a young Watts cheered fervently from the stands in Vancouver as the Canadian women clinched Olympic gold. Fast forward to the present, Watts is on the brink of scripting her own Olympic journey, a prospect that Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin, whom Watts rooted for back in 2010, enthusiastically supports.
Watts’ path back to the rink demanded a complete physical overhaul after her hiatus from the sport post-retirement. Today, she stands out as one of the most skilled players in the premier women’s hockey league globally, a testament to her relentless dedication and hard work.
Her resurgence was catalyzed by the Premier Hockey Federation, which enticed Watts out of retirement with an increased salary cap, leading her to sign a groundbreaking contract. Following a successful stint with the Toronto Six, she found herself drafted by Ottawa in the PWHL’s inaugural draft in 2023.
Under the guidance of former NHLer Gary Roberts and his team at Gary Roberts Performance, Watts underwent a comprehensive transformation, rebuilding her physique and enhancing her performance on the ice. Her evolution culminated in impressive statistics, including leading Ottawa in goals in her first PWHL season and contributing significantly to the Toronto Sceptres’ power play in subsequent seasons.
Despite the setbacks, particularly the early playoff exit for the Sceptres, Watts remains resolute in her pursuit of excellence, constantly striving to elevate her game. As she readies herself for the upcoming season and potential Olympic participation, Watts’ unwavering passion for hockey continues to fuel her aspirations and drive for success.
