Halton hat trick: Three HDSB grads shine on Toronto Sceptres roster

By Halton District School Board - Apr 01, 2026

Spotlight on Schools

When the Toronto Sceptres hit the ice, they aren’t just representing the city: they are showcasing the deep pool of talent nurtured within the Halton District School Board. In a remarkable alignment, three HDSB alumni earned spots on the Sceptres' 2025-26 roster, turning professional dreams into reality while remaining deeply connected to their local roots.

Emma Maltais, Nelson High School

Hockey player in white and blue uniform stands on the ice during gameplay, holding a stick and looking ahead

Photo Credit: PWHL

Already a household name after her gold medal performance with Team Canada in Beijing, Emma Maltais continues to be a relentless force for the Sceptres. A proud graduate of Nelson High School, Maltais attributes much of her current success to the foundational skills she built in the HDSB.

"I think my time in Burlington as a student-athlete really helped shape me because of how much I had to balance academics and athletics at such a young age," Maltais said. "I think this taught me how to prioritize my time and showed me that anything was possible and the opportunities are endless if you go out and get them yourself."

The high caliber of local competition also drove her development.

Hockey player wearing jersey number 27 enters the ice through a tunnel, reaching up to high-five fans leaning over the railing.

Photo Credit: PWHL

"The quality of sports and athletes were so high in Burlington, and I always wanted to compete against the best to be the best I could be," she said. "At a young age, that competitive trait builds discipline and passion to achieve your goals and dreams."

Lauren Messier, Nelson High School

Smiling hockey player stands by the rink holding up a puck toward the camera.

Photo Credit: PWHL

Joining Maltais is fellow Nelson High School graduate Lauren Messier. After a standout NCAA career at Dartmouth College, where she served as captain, Messier returned to the Greater Toronto Area to make her mark as a professional.

Messier's journey into the PWHL has been a testament to her resilience and work ethic. After starting the season on the Sceptres’ reserve list, the forward recently earned a 10-day contract and celebrated a major professional milestone. On March 1, Messier scored her first career PWHL goal, helping lift Toronto to a 2-1 road victory over the Vancouver Goldeneyes.

Two hockey players in white jerseys celebrate a goal on the ice as a player from the opposing team skates nearby.

Photo Credit: PWHL

"To be able to come back and play professionally in the same region where I grew up feels very full circle," Messier said. "Nelson and the local community played a huge role in shaping who I am, both as a player and as a person. The teachers, teammates, coaches and families around the school created an environment that pushed me to work hard and believe that bigger opportunities were possible."

Renata Fast, M.M. Robinson High School

Hockey player in blue uniform skates low to the ice while controlling the puck during a game.

Photo Credit: PWHL

Anchoring the blue line is Renata Fast, an alumni of M.M. Robinson High School. Fast has built a decorated career, including Olympic gold and multiple World Championships. She serves as a veteran leader for the Sceptres and a powerful role model for student-athletes.

"There’s no doubt that getting to where I am today came with a lot of sacrifices, but I wouldn’t change it for a second," Fast said.

Fast credits two guiding principles for her journey: staying curious and being intentional.

"Growing up, my dad always told me to be a lifelong learner. That mindset allowed me to keep growing and getting better," she said. "I try to stay a sponge, listen to my coaches, teachers and mentors ... and never get complacent with where I’m at."

She also emphasized the importance of perseverance on difficult days when motivation is low.

"Have a plan, give purpose to the work you’re doing, and you’ll see far more growth than just showing up and hoping it all works out," Fast said. "Most importantly, have fun and cherish the people you get to spend the journey with. Win or lose, those relationships are what make it all special."

Speaker stands on stage beside a large screen displaying Defender of the Year with a photo of a hockey player in uniform.

Photo Credit: PWHL

Inspiring the next generation For current HDSB students, these three women represent more than just athletic success. They are proof that the pathway to professional sports is walkable from their own backyards.

"Being back home now, I feel a strong sense of pride to represent the community that shaped me," Messier said. "It’s special knowing that younger players from Nelson or the surrounding area can see someone who started in the same rinks and hallways they’re in now and realize that those dreams can be real."