FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2023
Toronto Six Re-Stock International Experience With Re-Signing Of Forward Leah Lum
TORONTO — The Toronto Six have announced their eighth move of the offseason, re-signing Olympian Leah Lum to a one-year Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) contract for the 2023-24 season. Her agreement includes a salary valued at a total of $67,500 (USD).
“I just really loved Toronto this year. I think I came into it with a bit of an open mind after being overseas for many years and I built a home here,” said Lum. “I’m very very excited to return and I can’t wait to get things going again.”
Lum’s leadership and offensive skill played a pivotal role in helping Toronto win their first Isobel Cup championship in franchise history, making contributions both offensively and vocally as T6 won a 4-3 overtime thriller over Minnesota in Tempe, Arizona on March 26. The 27-year-old enjoyed a noteworthy 2022-23 season, concluding her first PHF campaign tied for sixth on the team with 14 points, including seven goals and seven assists in 24 games. She would add another goal and an assist over four games during the Isobel Cup Playoffs. The Richmond, BC native also earned her first invitation to the PHF All-Star Showcase, suiting up for PHF Team World where she recorded a goal and two assists in the tournament-style competition at Mattamy Athletic Centre on January 29.
“We definitely welcome back Leah Lum to the T6,” said Angela James, General Manager of the Toronto Six. “Not only does Leah bring speed, tenacity, and goal-scoring capabilities, but she also brings such a fun and happy presence to the locker room and to the team.”
Prior to signing in the PHF in September 2022, Lum was selected by the Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays and played the 2018-19 season in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL). She competed another three seasons with the organization overseas, producing 70 points in 76 games from 2019-22, before opting to return back home to North America. Lum played collegiately for the University of Connecticut from 2014-18. Across 148 NCAA games as a member of the Huskies, the Sports Management graduate totalled 102 points, tallying 42 goals while adding 60 assists. Lum’s wealth of experience also includes a pair of stints with the Chinese National Women’s Team, where she led the country as alternate captain at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, and won gold in the 2022 Division 1B IIHF Women’s World Championship.
Excited for the opportunity to compete another year on home soil in Toronto, Lum is looking forward to getting back into the locker room and making a larger impact on the ice in her second go-around.
“Focusing on my own development this offseason, I want to get stronger and build a stronger foundation so I am able to be strong on the puck and help contribute as much as I can for the team this upcoming season,” said a determined Lum. “I’m most looking forward to getting to know my new teammates and obviously all the returners. I’m just excited to be back in that atmosphere.”
“It’s something that you take for granted when you’re in-season, but as soon as the offseason starts, you’re craving hockey every single day again,” Lum continued. “I’m excited to enjoy the offseason as much as I can, but obviously getting back to things once September comes. I’m very excited.”
Toronto now has nine players under contract for the 2023-24 season with Lum joining goaltender Carly Jackson, defenders Saroya Tinker, Taylor Davison and forward Claire Dalton on one-year deals, with defender Kati Tabin, goaltender Elaine Chuli and captain Shiann Darkangelo each signing two-year deals. Returning forward Daryl Watts is entering the second year of a two-year agreement.
About the Toronto Six
The Toronto Six are a professional women’s ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario and competing in the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF). The Six are the league’s second expansion team that stepped on PHF ice in 2021, capturing a regular season championship. The team is owned and operated by Johanna Neilson-Boynton and BTM Partners. Visit toronto.premierhockeyfederation.com to learn more.
About Premier Hockey Federation (PHF):
The PHF is the leading source of professional women’s hockey in North America. Established in 2015 as the National Women’s Hockey League, the NWHL rebranded to become the PHF in 2021 and maintains the mission to provide strong role models and fuel the continued growth of the sport. The league is made up of the Boston Pride, Buffalo Beauts, Connecticut Whale, Metropolitan Riveters, Minnesota Whitecaps, and the Toronto Six who all compete annually for the Isobel Cup.