The Toronto Sceptres are making strategic adjustments to their roster as they gear up for their upcoming match against the Boston Fleet. On December 28, 2024, the team announced they signed defender Jess Kondas to a 10-day standard player agreement (SPA), filling the void left by Rylind MacKinnon, who has been suspended for one game due to an illegal hit.
This move marks Kondas' first call-up to the main squad after being on the Reserve Player list since the inaugural season. The Sceptres are hoping to jumpstart their season with this addition, especially as they prepare for their game against the Fleet later this evening.
Kondas, hailing from Calgary, Alberta, was invited to the Sceptres training camp earlier this season, where her performance left quite the impression. It’s noteworthy to mention her previous run with SDE HF in the SDHL over in Sweden, where she racked up one goal and three assists over 32 games. Before her stint abroad, Kondas played five seasons at Minnesota State University, where she achieved her career-high of 19 points during her final year.
The timing for Kondas' signing is particularly opportune as the Sceptres faced disappointment with MacKinnon's recent one-game suspension for her hit to Montréal's Amanda Boulier during their last match on December 21. The official suspension was confirmed earlier this week and necessitated additional support for the team as they aim to address their current slump, highlighted by four consecutive defeats.
According to the Sceptres, "Kondas is expected to make her PWHL debut on Friday as the Sceptres host the Boston Fleet." Fans and teammates alike are eager to see what the young defenseman brings to the ice, especially at this critically juncture of the season. Prior to turning professional, she scored 12 goals and 22 assists during her time with Minnesota State, amassing 34 points across 154 games.
Even with the uneasiness stemming from their current ranking—tied for the last position with the Ottawa Charge—the Sceptres are optimistic about Kondas' potential to impact the game. They opened the season promisingly with the one victory, but their string of losses, including the latest being hard-fought, ended 4-3 against the Montreal Victoire, emphasizes the need for reinforcements.
This signing reflects PWHL rules stipulating players can be signed from the Reserve Player list to 10-day contracts twice within the regular season, giving teams much-needed flexibility throughout the campaign. It’s precisely this type of resource management and strategic maneuvering we’re likely to see from the Sceptres as they navigate their current hurdles on the ice.
The importance of gaining momentum cannot be understated. Even with the unfortunate circumstance of having to replace MacKinnon, the addition of Kondas is seen as a beacon of hope for rejuvenation. Every player can matter at this stage, and the team’s ability to rally together against formidable teams like the Fleet could result not just in preserving their season, but also laying the groundwork for future successes.
While her immediate role will be to fill MacKinnon’s shoes, fans and analysts alike will be monitoring how Kondas adapts to the league's fast pace. With the right performance tonight, she could possibly earn herself more playing time as the season progresses and become integral to the Sceptres' strategy. This debut serves as both her opportunity and challenge as she steps onto the professional platform the PWHL provides.
Altogether, the Sceptres hope to turn their season around against Boston, and with Kondas wearing number 26 tonight, the stage is set for just how impactful she might be for her new team. Keep your eyes glued to the ice as this rookie looks to carve her place within the competitive dance of women’s hockey.
