Mikyla Grant-Mentis Bio
Mikyla Grant-Mentis is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Seattle Torrent of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Born on July 15, 1998, in Brampton, Ontario, she has made significant contributions to women’s hockey, notably becoming the first Black player to win the Most Valuable Player award in the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) in 2021. During her collegiate career with the Merrimack Warriors, Grant-Mentis established herself as a leading scorer, finishing with 117 points in 137 games. Following her collegiate success, she played professionally for the Buffalo Beauts and the Toronto Six, where she earned multiple accolades and established her legacy in the sport.
Early Life and Background
Mikyla Grant-Mentis was born to Sandra Grant-Mentis and James Mentis in Brampton, Ontario. She has two siblings, including her twin brother, Marquis. Her father, James, played ball hockey for Team Canada and Team West Indies, which likely influenced Mikyla’s early interest in sports. Grant-Mentis began playing organized ice hockey at the age of four, initially intending to pursue dance, but ultimately joined her brothers on boys’ teams. She played on boys’ teams for several years before transitioning to girls’ hockey with the Toronto Aeros of the Provincial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). During her junior hockey career, she played for both the Toronto Aeros and the Mississauga Jr. Chiefs, where she excelled statistically.
Path to Hockey
Grant-Mentis’s journey in hockey took a significant turn when she joined the Merrimack Warriors for her collegiate career. Playing NCAA Division I ice hockey from 2016 to 2020, she became the all-time leading scorer for the program, finishing her career with 117 points. Her freshman season was particularly impressive, as she led the team in scoring and earned multiple accolades, including Hockey East Rookie of the Month. Throughout her collegiate years, she continued to break records and set benchmarks for future players. After her successful stint at Merrimack, Grant-Mentis transitioned to professional hockey, signing with the Buffalo Beauts in 2020 and later joining the expansion Toronto Six.
Mikyla Grant-Mentis Career
Early Career (2016–2020)
Mikyla Grant-Mentis began her professional career with the Buffalo Beauts in February 2020, where she made an immediate impact by scoring three points in her first two games. Following her brief time with the Beauts, she signed with the Toronto Six ahead of their inaugural season in the PHF. During the pandemic-shortened season, she tied for the league lead in points, helping the Six secure the regular-season title. Her outstanding performance earned her the MVP award, making her the first Black player to achieve this honor in the league’s history.
Breakthrough (2021–Present)
Grant-Mentis’s breakthrough came during the 2020–21 season when she became the most decorated player in a single PHF season, winning a record four accolades, including MVP and Newcomer of the Year. She continued her success in the following season, leading the Toronto Six in scoring and becoming the first player in PHF history to record a six-point game. In May 2022, she signed a significant contract with the Buffalo Beauts, making her the highest-paid player in PHF history. However, the PHF folded after the 2022–23 season, leading her to join the newly formed PWHL.
Notable Works and Milestones
Mikyla Grant-Mentis’s signature work includes her record-setting performance during the 2020–21 PHF season, where she earned multiple awards and accolades. She was recognized for her contributions both on and off the ice, being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 for North America 2022 in the sports category.
Mikyla Grant-Mentis Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Mikyla Grant-Mentis has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances in women’s hockey, particularly during her time in the PHF.
Mikyla Grant-Mentis Awards Won
Mikyla Grant-Mentis has won several prestigious awards, including the Most Valuable Player award in the PHF in 2021 and the Hockey East Second Team All-Star recognition in 2021.
Mikyla Grant-Mentis Family
Mikyla Grant-Mentis comes from a supportive family that has played a significant role in her athletic journey. Her parents, Sandra Grant-Mentis and James Mentis, have been instrumental in her development as an athlete.
Personal Life
Grant-Mentis holds a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Merrimack College. She has been recognized for her impact on and off the ice, particularly through her community outreach efforts. In December 2021, she was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 for North America 2022 in the sports category, highlighting her influence in the sport of hockey.