Jess Kondas embraced an exciting opportunity when she made her debut with the Toronto Sceptres, marking her first appearance in the Professional Women’s Hockey League after being on the reserve list for a year. Kondas quickly made an impact by scoring a goal in the Sceptres’ 4-2 victory against the Boston Fleet. Her call-up came when rookie Rylind MacKinnon was suspended for a game, allowing Kondas to step in on a 10-day contract.
Expressing her excitement, Kondas said she was thrilled to contribute to the team. The Sceptres’ captain, Blayre Turnbull, praised Kondas’ dedication, highlighting the challenges faced by reserve players and commending Kondas for her perseverance.
The match saw Toronto break a four-game losing streak, with head coach Troy Ryan acknowledging Kondas’ impressive performance at training camp and her readiness for the game. Kondas’ journey has been shaped by her early training in Calgary under Olympian Carla MacLeod, which earned her an athletic scholarship to Minnesota State where she excelled both academically and in her sports career.
Rookie goalie Raygan Kirk secured her first win for the Sceptres with 26 saves, and the team received contributions from other players, sealing a comprehensive victory in front of 8,264 fans at the Coca-Cola Coliseum. The game underscored Kondas’ significant role and the vibrant spirit within the Sceptres team as they look forward to building on this success in the league.
