The IX Sports
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Sceptres training camp preview: Who will get a spot in Toronto?
The Toronto Sceptres kick off training camp on Nov. 18 at the Ford Performance Centre, inviting 29 players—including 15 forwards, 10 defenders and four goalies—for a chance to earn a roster spot ahead of two pre‑season games (Nov. 23 vs. PWHL Hamilton and a matchup with the Ottawa Charge). Sixteen returners and 17 signees for 2026‑27 compete alongside notable newcomers like U‑Sports star Jessymaude Drapeau, Swedish ex‑captain Michelle Löwenhielm, and French national defender Gabrielle De Serres. With a veteran‑heavy blue line, breaking into defence will be toughest, while the forward group battles seasoned internationals for scoring roles.
Is Post the dark horse of the NEWHA?
Post University’s women’s hockey team is emerging as a potential NEWHA dark horse despite a modest 1‑2‑1 start. The Eagles have held their own against preseason powerhouses LIU and Stonehill, earning a tie and a win thanks to clutch goaltending from Devyn Amundson and Alex Young, who posted a 48‑save overtime heroics against Robert Morris. Freshmen like Flóra Pásztor and Kingston Golding are contributing, but the squad averages just .9 goals per game and has been shut out four times, ranking near the NCAA bottom. With veterans Jodie Rose and Celena Mickevicius leading the offense and a tough test looming against unbeaten Franklin Pierce, Post must boost scoring to climb the NEWHA standings.
Insights from PWHL Detroit’s Veteran Defender Mellissa Channell-Watkins
Veteran defender Mellissa Channell‑Watkins discusses her return to Detroit for the PWHL’s inaugural season. Training in Park City with fellow star Hilary Knight, she describes the remote but high‑level environment and the grind of limited ice time. A two‑time Walter Cup champion with Minnesota Frost, Channell‑Watkins highlights her Detroit roots—three seasons with Little Caesars, coaching the 16U team, and a long‑standing connection to GM Manon Rhéaume. She signed a two‑year deal on June 21, citing the professionalism of Detroit’s staff and the depth of the roster. Known for defensive grit, breakout passes and shutting down top lines, she aims to anchor the team’s blue line alongside Knight.
Kiah Stokes, now a dual threat, has Valkyries a game away from a title
Kiah Stokes propels the Golden State Valkyries to the brink of a WNBA title with a historic performance in Game 5 of the Finals. The 41‑year‑old center tallied 13 points on 5‑for‑6 shooting and matched Veronica Burton as the game’s top scorer, while shattering defensive records with her 17th blocked shot of the series—tying Lisa Leslie’s postseason streak. Stokes, a three‑time champion, also knocked down three 3‑pointers for the first time since 2024, answering criticism and showing her newfound offensive threat. Her block dominance helped the Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 64‑55, giving them a 3‑2 series lead and a chance to clinch the championship.
Five Toronto Sceptres matchups to circle for 2026-27
The IX Sports previews five must‑watch Toronto Sceptres games for the 2026‑27 PWHL season, which kicks off in early December and runs to mid‑April. The Sceptres open at Coca‑Cola Coliseum on Dec. 8 against new franchise Hamilton in the first “Battle of the QEW,” a test of regional fan loyalty. Dec. 20 pits Toronto against San Jose, marking former head coach Troy Ryan’s return and highlighting young stars like Natalie Spooner and Renata Fast. Two days later, the Sceptres face the New York Sirens, featuring a reunion of UW teammates Casey O’Brien and rookie Kirsten Simms. Finally, Jan. 17 brings the Detroit expansion team back to Toronto, reuniting former Sceptres Daryl Watts and Jesse Compher. These matchups set the tone for a challenging Eastern Conference run and the Sceptres’ push for the playoffs.
Five Toronto Sceptres matchups to circle for 2026-27
The Toronto Sceptres launch their 2026-27 season in early December, and five matchups stand out. The home opener on Dec. 8 pits Toronto against new franchise PWHL Hamilton in the inaugural “Battle of the QEW,” testing local fan loyalty. On Dec. 20 the Sceptres face former coach Troy Ryan’s San Jose squad, offering a glimpse of how new head coach Pascal Rhéaume’s system compares to last year’s strategy. Two days later, the New York Sirens visit, highlighting a rookie showdown between former college linemates Casey O’Brien and Toronto’s top rookie Kirsten Simms. Finally, Jan. 17 brings a Detroit clash featuring former Sceptres stars Daryl Watts and Jesse Compher. These games set the tone for the Sceptres’ playoff push in the Eastern Conference.
NWSL Shield race comes down to Decision Day
Decision Day looms over the NWSL Shield race after a dramatic Sunday. Gotham FC edges Orlando Pride 2‑1, keeping the lead, while San Diego Wave draws 2‑2 with Boston Legacy, forcing a final showdown. Kansas City Current upsets Washington Spirit 2‑1, eliminating the Spirit from contention. Key moments include Ann‑Katrin Berger’s saves, a record‑setting 11th assist by Croix Bethune, and an own‑goal by LAís Araújo for San Diego. With Gotham on 68 points, San Diego on 65 and Kansas City on 62, the title will be decided next week.
How Camryn Brown helped Jordin Canada become the engine of the Atlanta Dream
Point guard Jordin Canada returns to Atlanta Dream’s training camp determined to win a title, stay healthy, and dominate the assist‑to‑turnover ratio. After a stellar 2025 season that ended with a first‑round loss to Indiana, she plays 43 of 44 regular‑season games this year, nearly topping the league in assist‑to‑turnover efficiency. Her resurgence is credited to assistant coach Camryn Brown, a former High Point star who built a tight bond with Canada during preseason. Brown’s mentorship on chemistry, communication, and health has helped Canada achieve two of her three goals, fueling the Dream’s push in a tightly contested WNBA Finals.
Nakase’s trusted Valkyries identity enough to adjust it
With the 2026 WNBA Finals tied 2-2, Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase leans on the team’s core values—defense, effort, accountability and selflessness—to spark a comeback. After back‑to‑back losses, including a 26‑point defeat in Atlanta, Nakase reshuffled the lineup, inserting Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles while benching Ceci Zandalasini and Kayla Thornton. The changes paid off: Hayes and Charles supplied early defensive intensity, Zandalasini contributed 10 points and three steals off the bench, and the Valkyries reclaimed their identity without sacrificing flexibility. Nakase’s emphasis on collective accountability and adaptability keeps the championship within reach as the series heads to Game 5 in San Francisco.
2026-27 Ivy League preview
The 2026‑27 Ivy League women’s basketball season heads to a landmark finish at Penn’s historic Palestra, celebrating its 100th anniversary. With 11 of 15 All‑Ivy players returning and a league‑wide median of 74% scoring coming back—the highest since 2022‑23—the conference promises its toughest competition yet. Princeton tops the preseason poll (15 first‑place votes) after a 26‑4 campaign, retaining four senior starters and boasting a 78.6% minute return rate. Harvard returns a league‑best 13 players, while Yale fields 19 roster spots. Ivy League exec Robin Harris notes a decade‑long rise in quality, highlighted by 15 recent wins over power‑conference foes, and the league’s depth and experience could make March unforgettable.
The IX Sports Podcast College Basketball Edition: SEC preview
On the October 26 IX Sports Podcast, hosts Michael Waterloo and Melissa Triebwasser preview the SEC women's basketball slate ahead of the season. Using a coin‑flip format, they each name their top tournament bets: Triebwasser picks South Carolina first and Texas second, while Waterloo backs Vanderbilt first and LSU second. They also project Tennessee returning to the NCAA field despite a roster overhaul and spot Texas A&M as a potential surprise qualifier. Listeners can hear the duo’s mid‑tier selections and the teams they think will miss the March tournament.
PWHL San Jose’s options if Corinne Schroeder misses start of season
The San Jose PWHL franchise may start its inaugural season without veteran starter Corinne Schroeder, who missed Team Canada’s Oct. 14 scrimmage due to an undisclosed injury. With Schroeder signed as the team’s first free‑agent acquisition, San Jose’s backup trio now includes former Boston Fleet netminder Abbey Levy (2‑7‑3 record, .906 SV%, 2.97 GAA) and 2026 third‑round pick Tia Chan, a former UConn star who posted a .948 SV% and 1.56 GAA in her final college season. If the injury proves long‑term, the club could tap seven unsigned goalies invited to other camps—such as Sandra Abstreiter, Lauren Bench, Kaitlyn Ross, Julia Minotti, Calli Hogarth, Hope Walinski, and Quinn Kuntz—to fill the roster.
Why the Atlanta Dream couldn’t match the Golden State Valkyries’ energy, aggressiveness in Game 4 loss
In Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, the Atlanta Dream fell to the Golden State Valkyries 78-65, tying the series 2-2 and shifting the matchup back to San Francisco. Coach Karl Smesko cited the Valkyries' aggressive rebounding and physical defense, while Dream guard Rhyne Howard admitted the team wasn’t ready to match that intensity. Golden State’s strategic adjustments—starting Cecilia Zandalasini and giving Kaila Charles a larger role—sparked early momentum, highlighted by forward Gabby Williams' leadership and scoring. Dream forward Angel Reese took responsibility for rushed shots, promising a stronger effort in Game 5. The loss underscores the Valkyries’ relentless play and the Dream’s need to improve ball control and shot selection.
Portland wins, secures playoff bid in high-stakes penultimate match
Portland Thorns clinch a 1-0 victory over North Carolina Courage at Providence Park, securing a top‑eight spot and a berth in the 2026 NWSL playoffs. Marie Müller nets the decisive laser‑like strike in the 58th minute after Reilyn Turner’s assist, while goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan keeps a clean sheet. Both teams miss key players—Portland’s Sophia Wilson and Morgan Weaver sit out, and North Carolina’s defender Maycee Bell is on SEI. The win pushes Portland into the playoff mix alongside Angel City, Kansas City and Utah as the league approaches Decision Day.
2026-27 BIG EAST preview
While the names, faces and venues may change, one thing remains constant: UConn is the top seed in the BIG EAST preseason coaches’ poll. The post 2026-27 BIG EAST preview appeared first on The IX Sports .
Valkyries win key possession battle to take Game 4
ATLANTA – It looked the same. The Valkyries shot 1-for-11, and a starting lineup change hardly mattered. They just didn’t have enough offense to beat the Atlanta Dream. But the adjustments, it turned out, would work. Not only did the Valkyries (barely) outshoot Atlanta, they outshot the Dream 72-54, forced 18 turnovers and grabbed 13 […] The post Valkyries win key possession battle to take Game 4 appeared first on The IX Sports .
Indiana Fever front office getting overhaul as Kelly Krauskopf departs, Amber Cox fired
The Indiana Fever fired Amber Cox and had Kelly Kruaskopf step down from their front office. Why and what comes next? The post Indiana Fever front office getting overhaul as Kelly Krauskopf departs, Amber Cox fired appeared first on The IX Sports .
Hayes holds off Dream’s second-half push in Valkyries’ win
Hayes scores 13 critical points in the second half as Golden State evens the WNBA Finals and heads home to San Francisco. The post Hayes holds off Dream’s second-half push in Valkyries’ win appeared first on The IX Sports .
UConn’s upgraded facilities position the program for ‘continued success’
Inside the Huskies' state-of-the-art facilities The post UConn’s upgraded facilities position the program for ‘continued success’ appeared first on The IX Sports .
Montreal Roses win NSL Supporters’ Shield with dramatic victory over Ottawa
Tanya Boychuk: 'This is just the beginning; now it’s into the playoffs, and it’s a whole other season' The post Montreal Roses win NSL Supporters’ Shield with dramatic victory over Ottawa appeared first on The IX Sports .
2026-27 Summit League preview
Consistency is defined as “acting, behaving, or happening in a steady and predictable way over time.” Coaches in any sport are constantly looking for consistent results from their teams – in practices, games and their everyday habits. They preach doing it the right way and little by little, finding a consistent path to winning and sustained […] The post 2026-27 Summit League preview appeared first on The IX Sports .
The IX Sports Podcast Basketball Edition: The Dream dominated Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. What’s gone wrong for the Valkyries?
The Atlanta Dream are up against the Valkyries 2-1 in the WNBA Finals. What is the Dream getting right? And can Golden State respond? The post The IX Sports Podcast Basketball Edition: The Dream dominated Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. What’s gone wrong for the Valkyries? appeared first on The IX Sports .
2026-27 Patriot League preview
Who will challenge Navy for the championship? The post 2026-27 Patriot League preview appeared first on The IX Sports .
How 2 sisters made college hockey history that’s still playing out today
Reggie Baker founded the women's hockey team at Cornell. Her sister Reenie Baker did the same at Boston College. The teams they helped establish will face off once again in 2026. The post How 2 sisters made college hockey history that’s still playing out today appeared first on The IX Sports .
Can the Valkyries offense do enough to come back in the Finals?
Gabby Williams: "We have to just go back to our defense, and that will get our offense going" The post Can the Valkyries offense do enough to come back in the Finals? appeared first on The IX Sports .
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