Ottawa native (and former CARHA Hockey Communications Intern) Lindsay Eastood netted the first goal in franchise history for the Toronto Six! Toronto is the newest, and only Canadian team, in the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL). The goal came in their second game on January 23 versus the Minnesota Whitecaps. The six teams that make up the NWHL are currently in a bubble season in Lake Placid, New York.

We caught up with Lindsay to congratulate her and find out more about her big moment!

How would you describe the feeling you had when you scored your first professional goal?

It was so exciting! In the moment, I’m not thinking about how it was my first goal or the team’s first franchise goal, just the fact that we had the lead in the game. I was fired up!

Can you walk us through how you scored the goal?

I took the puck down the wall, I thought about keeping it as there was no one on me but I passed it to Emma Woods behind the net. She took it around and fed me on the back side. I snapped it at the net quick and it went top shelf over the goalie’s shoulder. 

What does it mean to you to have scored the first franchise goal for the Toronto Six, especially since you’re from Ottawa?

I didn’t realize how special of a goal it was until after the game. The support I have been receiving is unbelievable. The irony of being from Ottawa and scoring the first franchise goal for a Toronto team is unreal. I know I have a few friends and family members who joke about how they have a hard time cheering for a Toronto team but I think this  helps their case now.

Who were you most surprised by who reached out to congratulate you?

Just the fact that my goal made TSN and Sportsnet highlights blew me away. I even was told they were showing it during the intermission of the Edmonton Vs. Winnipeg game. I never thought I’d see the day. 

How does this rank amongst greatest moments of your career?

This is definitely up there for greatest moments. It has to push top three greatest moments in my career. Along with playing in the U18 World Championships and winning the CHA finals.

You had a lot of firsts this past weekend, what’s next on your list of accomplishments?

Win the Isobel Cup!!

What’s a big takeaway you’ve learned so far in the NWHL bubble?

How much I love to play hockey. This year was a really long break from hockey, so it’s been awesome to get back on the ice and play the game. I almost forgot how much fun it is to compete in games.

If you could sum up your experience in one word what would that be?

Surreal!