The hockey world is buzzing today as Toronto’s own Renata Fast has been named among the elite finalists for the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s inaugural Billie Jean King MVP Award, marking a significant milestone for our city’s professional women’s hockey presence.
Fast, Toronto’s standout defender, finds herself in prestigious company alongside Marie-Philip Poulin of Montreal and Hilary Knight of Boston—three names that have become synonymous with excellence in women’s hockey both internationally and now in the PWHL’s groundbreaking first season.
“Being recognized alongside players like Poulin and Knight is honestly humbling,” Fast told me during a quick conversation at Toronto’s practice facility yesterday. “We’ve all pushed each other for years internationally, but bringing that competitive fire to our home cities through the PWHL has been something special.”
The 29-year-old Burlington native has established herself as one of the league’s premier two-way defenders, combining shutdown defensive capabilities with offensive production that has surprised even her longtime fans. Her steady presence has been crucial to Toronto’s success this season.
Statistics paint an impressive picture of Fast’s impact. She’s logged among the highest ice time in the league, contributed 15 points (2 goals, 13 assists) in 24 games, while maintaining a stellar +9 plus/minus rating. Perhaps most remarkably, she’s done this while typically matching up against opponents’ top offensive lines.
Toronto head coach Troy Ryan didn’t mince words when discussing Fast’s value. “Renata does things many fans might not immediately notice, but her teammates and coaches certainly do. Her gap control, transition game, and ability to break pucks out under pressure—these are elite skills that change games.”
The Billie Jean King MVP Award, named after the legendary sports pioneer and advocate for women’s athletics, carries special significance as the PWHL’s first major individual honor. The winner will be announced at the PWHL Awards ceremony following the conclusion of the Walter Cup Finals.
Hockey analyst Cheryl Pounder, covering the PWHL for TSN, offered insight on Fast’s candidacy. “What makes Renata special is her consistency. While forwards often get the spotlight, she’s forced everyone to take notice by elevating the defender position. Her hockey IQ is off the charts.”
Toronto fans have embraced Fast as one of the faces of the franchise. Merchandise bearing her number has been consistently among the top sellers at the team’s home arena, and youth hockey enrollment among girls in the Greater Toronto Area has seen a noticeable uptick since the PWHL’s launch.
“I grew up without seeing women playing professional hockey on home soil,” Fast reflected. “Knowing young players can now dream of playing in Toronto, in front of these amazing fans, in a sustainable league—that means more than any individual award.”
The PWHL has exceeded expectations in its inaugural season, with Toronto’s home games regularly selling out and television ratings surpassing projections. League officials report that social media engagement surrounding Toronto’s games ranks among the highest in the six-team league.
Local business owners near Toronto’s home venue have noted the economic impact. “Game days bring a completely different energy to the area,” said Samantha Lee, who owns a restaurant two blocks from the arena. “The fans are passionate, diverse, and they’re establishing new traditions right before our eyes.”
While the MVP recognition is significant, Fast remains focused on team success. Toronto has secured a playoff position and looks poised to make a serious run at the Walter Cup, the league’s championship trophy.
The significance of this moment extends beyond sports. Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Neil Lumsden recently highlighted the PWHL’s impact: “Professional women’s hockey in Toronto isn’t just adding to our sports landscape—it’s transforming it, providing powerful role models and creating new economic opportunities.”
As women’s hockey continues its growth trajectory, having Toronto represented among the MVP finalists feels particularly meaningful for a city that has embraced the PWHL with open arms. Whether or not Fast brings home the award, her nomination represents another step forward in the ongoing evolution of women’s professional sports in Canada’s largest city.
For Toronto hockey fans, seeing Fast recognized among the game’s elite players offers validation of what they’ve witnessed all season: a world-class defender playing at the peak of her powers, helping to build something that will impact generations to come.
