The 2025–26 PWHL season officially opens tonight, and local hockey fans across Norfolk County will be watching closely to see if Waterford’s own Elaine Chuli gets the start in net for the Toronto Sceptres.
Chuli, now one of the most experienced and decorated goaltenders in Canadian women’s hockey, signed a one-year deal with Toronto after spending two seasons as a backup goaltender in Montreal.
Last season, she posted impressive numbers including four wins, a 2.42 GAA, and a .910 save percentage over eight appearances.
She is a former Isobel Cup champion with the Toronto Six, was named PHF Goaltender of the Year in 2021-22, and has played professionally for the Vanke Rays, Toronto Furies, PWHPA teams, and the Six before joining the Sceptres.
She also remains one of the few athletes—alongside teammate Brittany Howard—to have played for all three of Toronto’s professional women’s teams: the Sceptres, the Furies, and the Six.
Before turning pro, Chuli dominated at the University of Connecticut, where she set program records for most saves in a season and career, earned All-Star honours, and once recorded 55 saves in a single game.
She also represented Canada internationally, winning gold at the 2012 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.
As the puck drops tonight, Norfolk County will be cheering on one of its brightest hockey stars.