Blayre Turnbull Bio
Blayre Turnbull (born July 15, 1993) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward and captain for the Toronto Sceptres of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). She made her debut with the Canada women’s national ice hockey team at the 2014 4 Nations Cup. On September 6, 2023, Turnbull signed a three-year deal with the PWHL Toronto of the newly formed Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Early Life and Background
Blayre Turnbull was born in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Canada. Growing up, she was exposed to hockey at a young age, which laid the foundation for her future career. Turnbull attended Shattuck-St. Mary’s, where she played on the girls’ hockey team and was a classmate of Nathan MacKinnon. During her junior years, she gained significant recognition by scoring 60 points in 52 contests, which included 30 goals and 30 assists. Her time at Shattuck-St. Mary’s was marked by success, as she helped her team win two national championships in two years.
Path to Hockey
After her time at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Blayre Turnbull joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison to play for the Wisconsin Badgers. She made her NCAA debut in the 2011–12 season and quickly made an impact by scoring her first career goal against the Lindenwood Lady Lions on September 25, 2011. Over her four seasons with the Badgers, she set various records, including the NCAA record for shorthanded goals in a season. Turnbull served as the captain of the team during her junior and senior years and was instrumental in leading them to an NCAA championship.
Blayre Turnbull Career
Early Career (2011–2015)
Blayre Turnbull’s professional career began in 2011 when she joined the Wisconsin Badgers. Her performance in college hockey earned her a spot on the Canadian national team, where she made her debut at the 2014 4 Nations Cup. Turnbull’s transition to professional hockey was marked by her signing with the Calgary Inferno in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) in 2015. She helped the Inferno capture their first-ever Clarkson Cup championship in 2016, scoring twice in the final against Les Canadiennes de Montreal.
Breakthrough (2016–Present)
Turnbull’s breakthrough moment came during her time with the Calgary Inferno, where she became a key player and contributed significantly to the team’s success. In 2018, she was selected to represent Canada at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where she helped the team secure a silver medal. She continued to excel internationally, participating in multiple World Championships and winning a gold medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. In 2023, she signed with the Toronto Sceptres, marking a new chapter in her career as the PWHL was established.
Notable Works and Milestones
Blayre Turnbull is known for her significant contributions to women’s ice hockey, including her Olympic appearances and her leadership on the ice. She has been recognized for her achievements, including winning multiple medals at the World Championships and the Olympics.
Blayre Turnbull Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Blayre Turnbull has received recognition for her outstanding performances, particularly in international competitions. Her contributions to the Canadian national team have solidified her reputation as a top player in women’s ice hockey.
Blayre Turnbull Awards Won
Blayre Turnbull has achieved notable success in her career, including winning a silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics and a gold medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics. She has also been part of the Canadian team that won multiple World Championships, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.
Blayre Turnbull Family
Blayre Turnbull is married to Ryan Sommer, a retired Canadian bobsledder. The couple tied the knot in the summer of 2023. Turnbull has a brother, Brent, who played for the Québec Remparts in the QMJHL.
Personal Life
Blayre Turnbull holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies. She has been an advocate for women’s sports and continues to inspire young athletes through her achievements and dedication to hockey.
