Furies update: Notable players attending 2018 try-outs

The Toronto Furies concluded their first week of the 2018-19 try-outs with an intrasquad scrimmage last night.

Ten of Toronto’s 14 2018 draft picks were in attendance, with tenth-round pick Stefanie Thomson and twelfth rounder Theresa Woodland listed as “missing”.

The roster included an injury list of three players, all defenders — veteran Katie Gaskin, alongside draft picks Emma Pearson and Andrea Ziesmann. Gaskin more than likely has a roster spot waiting for her if she’s ready to start the season, but try-outs are only two weeks, so this could be a blow to Pearson and Zeismann’s chances to make the 25-player roster.

Forward Julie Allen, who disappeared from the Furies immediately following their Chinese road trip last season, makes a return appearance to the lineup. GM Sami Jo Small indicated that Allen remained on the 40-player roster last season and that all players on that roster were invited to camp.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Japanese Olympian Sena Suzuki is listed as “missing” but Small confirms that she will be at camp next week. Suzuki, currently in Finland training with her national team, spent 2015-17 with the Furies, where she made great strides in her play and became a solid contributor to Toronto’s blueline. During the 2017-18 season she returned to Japan to prepare for the Olympics, playing on her former club team, Seibu Princess Rabbits.

Defender Carlee Campbell is also on the “Missing” list. Campbell has been seen in other camp pictures but it’s no surprise she’s not out on the ice, she’s got a baby due soon.

Three other players of interest are defender Jordan Hampton and forwards Erinn Noseworthy and Anissa Gamble. All three were CWHL rookies last year — Hampton on the Boston Blades and Noseworthy with les Canadiennes de Montréal. Gamble made the Calgary Inferno out of camp but never got into a game. To date none of them have been mentioned as part of a trade.

When asked if she'd been actively recruiting from other teams Small explained that all three players have relocated for employment reasons. Trades will be finalized if any of them make the lineup, otherwise their rights will remain with their original teams. Look for CWHL vet "Future Considerations" to be on the move later this month.

Beyond that... just look at those lineups and drool, Furies fans. It’s gonna be a good season.

Toronto Furies training camp continues next week at the Mastercard Centre, September 11 - 13 starting at 9:15 pm each evening and is open for public viewing. A second scrimmage is scheduled for the 13th.