Emma Woods Bio
Emma Woods is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Toronto Sceptres of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). She was selected 81st overall by PWHL New York in the 2023 PWHL draft. Growing up in Burford, Ontario, Woods played with the boys’ Burford Coyotes until the bantam level, often the only girl on the team. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to her teams and has continued to develop her skills at the collegiate and professional levels.
Early Life and Background
Emma Woods was born on December 18, 1995, in Burford, Ontario, Canada. She grew up in a sports-oriented family, where she was encouraged to pursue her interests in athletics. Woods attended Paris District High School, where she excelled in various sports, including ice hockey, volleyball, junior basketball, soccer, tennis, track and field, badminton, and baseball. During her high school career, she won county-level championships in badminton, tennis, and baseball, and was recognized as the Paris District Senior Female Athlete of the Year in 2013.
Path to Hockey
Woods began her hockey journey playing with the boys’ Burford Coyotes, where she often found herself as the only girl on the team. This experience helped her develop resilience and determination. After her time with the Coyotes, she played four seasons of NCAA Division I ice hockey with the Quinnipiac Bobcats women’s ice hockey program, competing in the ECAC Hockey conference. During her collegiate career, she was named to the ECAC All-Academic team and served as team captain during her senior season, showcasing her leadership skills.
Emma Woods Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Emma Woods began her professional career in 2017 when she was drafted in the seventh round, 49th overall, by the Vanke Rays in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL). She opted to sign with the Vanke Rays for the 2017–18 CWHL season, where she made an immediate impact. In the 2019–20 season, she played with Leksands IF of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL), where she tallied 29 points in 35 games, demonstrating her scoring ability and playmaking skills.
Breakthrough (2020–2023)
In June 2020, Woods joined the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) expansion team, the Toronto Six, becoming the seventh player to sign with the organization. During the inaugural season, she served as one of the alternate captains and assisted on the first goal scored in franchise history. Woods re-signed with the Toronto Six for the 2023–24 season but faced a setback when the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) was dissolved, leading her to declare eligibility for the PWHL. She was subsequently selected 81st overall by PWHL New York in the inaugural PWHL draft on September 18, 2023.
Notable Works and Milestones
Emma Woods has established herself as a key player in women’s hockey, known for her leadership and scoring ability. She has played for several teams, including the Vanke Rays, Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays, Leksands IF, and the Toronto Six. Throughout her career, she has consistently contributed to her teams and has been recognized for her achievements on the ice.
Emma Woods Award Nominations
Emma Woods has received recognition for her contributions to women’s hockey, particularly during her collegiate career and her time in professional leagues.
Emma Woods Awards Won
Emma Woods has not been documented to have won specific awards in her professional career, but she has been acknowledged for her leadership and performance during her time at Quinnipiac University.
Emma Woods Family
Emma Woods grew up in Burford, Ontario, with her older sister, Rebecca, twin brother Calvin, and younger brother, Hayden. Her family has been supportive of her athletic pursuits, contributing to her development as an athlete.
Personal Life
Emma Woods attended Paris District High School, where she was actively involved in various sports and was recognized for her athletic achievements. She has maintained a focus on her hockey career while balancing her personal life and family commitments.