Following last week’s PWHL draft, MiltonToday caught up with Miltonian Megan Carter (selected 12th overall by Toronto) to discuss her venture into pro hockey, the idea of playing so close to home and her experiences at Northeastern.
What does officially joining the PWHL and being drafted by your hometown team mean to you?
It is a dream come true to have the opportunity to play professional hockey. I am so grateful for all the women’s hockey advocates that have helped make this league a reality. It is a bonus to be drafted by my hometown team and be able to play in front of family and friends as well as the great fans of Toronto.
Were you torn at all between hopes of going to Toronto or Boston?
After playing in Boston at Northeastern University for five years, I’ve grown to love the city and the sports culture there. The prospect of playing in my hometown in front of family and friends in a city with an amazing fan base was also exciting. I knew wherever I ended up, I would have a great opportunity in front of me to play professional hockey.
How wild is it to have two Milton players who excelled at Boston schools now on the same pro team?
It is very cool to see that Bach and I followed very similar hockey career paths. She was a great resource for me throughout the university recruiting process and I am excited to get the opportunity to play with her in Toronto. Hopefully, we can be an inspiration for more Milton players to pursue dreams like ours.
How do you see yourself fitting in to your new team and the league itself, given your strong defensive and physical style?
My goal is to make an impact on this team right away with my ability to play shutdown roles, be tough to play against, and have good vision of the ice. I’m looking forward to bringing my game to the next level under the best defenders in the world, Fast and Larocque. It was great to see some of the current Toronto players and incoming draftees after the draft. Everyone has already been so welcoming, and I can’t wait to be a part of the vision and culture Toronto has.
What has such an ambitious academic period coupled with top-level NCAA play done to prepare you for this next chapter in your athletic career?
Being a student-athlete has prepared me to handle high pressure situations with composure and confidence, and manage my time wisely to ensure that my body is ready to endure and excel in a 30+ game season. I am looking forward to solely focusing on my craft without the added load of academics so that I can continue bringing my game to the next level.
What are your first impressions of the PWHL and what are your hopes for its early development?
I had the opportunity to watch several PWHL regular season and playoff games in person in Boston this past year. It has been exciting to watch the best players in the world facing off against each other every game. The speed, skill, and physicality are top notch and it is going to be a lot of fun to play amongst that. Based on the successful inaugural season, I have no doubt that the league will continue to excel for years to come, reach as many hockey fans as possible and inspire the next up and coming PWHL stars.
How excited are you about the idea of young Milton players having the chance to come watch you play?
After the draft, I was overwhelmed with congratulatory messages from Miltonians. Many being players I have coached in the past or kids of my former teachers and coaches. It means the world to me that I can be a role model for young hockey players in general, but especially those growing up in Milton.