return home and was traded to the Toronto Six where she played as a defenseman. The team recently won the PHF playoffs and took home the 2023 Isobel Cup. Saroya has also taken on a new role more recently — hosting, writing and co-producing the new television series on TSN, “Breaking Down Barriers,” that showcases individuals and organizations who are committed to changing ice hockey culture. Each episode celebrates those who foster positive social change within the sport. “Being able to be involved and showcase community organizations and underrepresented individuals in hockey is what drives me not only in my playing career but in my everyday life,” Saroya wrote in a recent social media post about this exciting project. Earlier this fall, Saroya announced her retirement from the NWHL at the age of 25 via Instagram. She captioned a post that read: “Over the last 22 years, I’ve laced up my skates to play the game I love. But, it’s time to pivot … Playing hockey has impacted my life in ways I could have never imagined, and I am forever grateful to those who helped me achieve my goals on the ice. From representing my country to receiving an Ivy League education to winning the 2023 Isobel Cup, hockey has been the vehicle that has driven me all over the world. Playing hockey as a woman of color has most definitely come with its challenges. Still, I am so grateful and proud of the young girls and women I have been able to affect by simply being a piece of representation on the ice and showing them that they can do it, too. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to – most importantly – my parents, who gave up so much of their time, money and energy to support my career. Thank you to all of my former coaches and teammates who stood by me, my fans for cheering me on and the little Black girls who inspire me every day to continue to do what I do. Although my playing days may be over, I can assure you that this is just the beginning for me … See y’all soon.” While Saroya may have hung up her professional uniform and skates, she didn't stray far from the world of sports or ice hockey, specifically. Shortly after retiring in the fall of 2023, she concluded the year by announcing she was joining the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) as the manager of diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as a broadcast sports analyst for CBC Sports. We look forward to seeing what she will accomplish next, on and off the ice. You can keep up with Saroya on her Instagram @saroyatinker71.
I enjoy it and it allows me to give myself some grace.”
Saroya graduated from Yale in 2020 during the height of COVID-19 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the history of science, medicine and public health. Encouraged by her college coach to not quit hockey after college, Saroya was drafted fourth overall by the Metropolitan Riveters based in New Jersey. Shortly after, she was ready to
27
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software