News: Gasparics puts PHF world stars on the map

Showcasing the depth of the player pool and celebrating the global growth of the game were two goals for the Premier Hockey Federation’s 2023 All-Star weekend in Toronto.

Fanni Gasparics made sure this was a success.

The Metropolitan Riveters forward and PHF Team World All-Star delivered an impressive four-goal performance on Sunday night, including a hat-trick in a 3-2 victory over Team USA to secure a berth in the competition’s final where they battled Canada to the bitter end.

“The goals and my performance was the icing on the cake,” Gasparics said. “It was really special and I felt really honored to be selected as an All-Star. During the whole weekend it felt like we were Queens. From the Hockey Hall of Fame to the atmosphere of the game, the crowd, and the feeling to play was amazing. Everything about the event was very special. I really loved my team. It felt like I was with my home team and in a circle of girls who I have known a long time. It became like family. The environment was fun and very motivating which helped me perform.”

The 28-year-old from Budapest, Hungary was one of 15 international stars who collectively represented six different countries on Team World and shone brightly on the PHF stage. While generally familiar with each other from various competitions throughout their careers, Gasparics says the chemistry among her new teammates developed quick and strong.

“We are from different places, but we are all professional players and among the best from our own countries,” she said. “The coaches (Erika Holst and Venla Hovi) motivated us to show the world what we can do, and we did that. In women’s hockey it’s always U.S. and Canada at the top. With everyone having the same mentality it’s really easy to stick together and play together, and I think that was key.”

Not only did PHF Team World show they could compete with the best, but they can have fun doing it. Their unique ‘unicorn’ celebration after goals created a buzz throughout Mattamy Athletic Centre and for viewers watching the broadcast on ESPN2 and TSN.

“I’m super proud of Team World that we put on a big show,” Gasparics said. “Maybe before the game people thought we were the third team there. But then we won our first two games and maybe a lot of people changed their minds about how talented we are. It’s a big deal showing that hockey around the world is improving and growing, and it means that we’re getting closer to the U.S. and…