As we near the halfway point of the 2018-19 Canadian Women’s Hockey League season, the Calgary Inferno have put everyone on notice.
The Inferno sit at the top of the standings with a record of 10-1-0-0-1. They’ve earned points in 11 straight games, and the squad’s only regulation loss came in their season opener.
While the team boasts some of the best depth in the CWHL, their top players have forged ahead impressively on the scoresheet.
Forward Rebecca Johnston leads the way with 17 points through 12 games. Seven of those came in November, and rightfully so, she’s been named the league’s player of the month.
In a 7-4 win over the Toronto Furies last month, the 29-year-old put together a tidy four-point performance.
The three-time Olympic medalist was also stellar for Canada at November’s Four Nations Cup in Saskatoon, leading the red and white in scoring with five points.
With Johnston sitting third in the CWHL scoring race, it’s not a stretch to say she’s in the conversation for league MVP. She earned the honour during the 2014-15 campaign when she finished with 37 points. The following spring, she helped Calgary win its first Clarkson Cup.
However, what stands out most about Johnston is the fact she’s not slowing down. It’s quite the opposite. When she’s on the ice, she dictates the play with her pace, tenacity, and playmaking.
She is easily one of the best skaters in the league and makes those around her better. Calgary’s top line of Johnston, Zoe Hickel, and Brianna Decker has combined for a whopping 40 points in just 12 games this season.
This past weekend, as the Inferno split a weekend set with the visiting Markham Thunder, Johnston donned the ‘C’ on her jersey, another stamp in the Canadian’s decorated hockey career.
The Inferno continue their march to the playoffs this Saturday and Sunday, wrapping up a home-and-home series in Markham versus the Thunder.
The next Inferno broadcast on Sportsnet 960 The Fan is slated for Dec. 16 against the Toronto Furies. Puck drop is 10:30 a.m. from WinSport’s Joan Snyder Arena.
You can also listen to Inside the Inferno every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. during the CWHL season.
