Toronto Sceptres forward Maggie Connors is approaching her third professional season with renewed confidence after completely transforming her off-season training regimen. The 25-year-old from St. John's, Newfoundland spent her summer immersed in the prestigious Gary Roberts High Performance Training program, a decision that's already paying dividends during training camp.
Embracing a Professional Training Environment
Connors joined several Sceptres teammates who have previously trained with the former Maple Leafs star, including Daryl Watts and Emma Woods, but she took her commitment to another level. She became such a regular presence at the facility that teammates joked it was her "9-5 job" throughout the summer months. The program's newly opened facility provided everything from strength and speed coaching to nutrition planning and clinical support.
"The facility is absolutely insane," Connors said. "They just opened a new one in June or July and it's got everything. People kind of joked that it was my 9-5 because I spent so much time there this summer. But it was so worth it."
Personalized Approach to Athletic Development
What impressed Connors most was the completely individualized nature of the Roberts program. Unlike generic training regimens, her workout plan was specifically tailored to her body type, skill set, and positional requirements. The comprehensive approach included dedicated strength coaches, speed specialists connected to on-ice performance, nutritionists, and meal planning with precise macronutrient calculations for professional athletes.
"Just the way they look after you all summer is amazing," Connors explained. "It's all individualized, whether that's phase of nutrition leading into the season. Obviously I'm a different athlete than Woodsie and Daryl, and so everything is really personalized which I really appreciated."
Preparing for an Expanded Role
Connors re-signed with the Sceptres this summer on a one-year extension after her initial two-year contract expired. Her improved speed and intensity have been noticeable just four days into training camp, catching the attention of coaches and observers alike. This development comes at an opportune time as PWHL expansion from six to eight teams has redistributed talent across the league, potentially opening up larger roles for returning players.
Following her collegiate career at Princeton where she regularly filled the scoresheet alongside Sarah Fillier, Connors adapted to a different role last season on a deep Sceptres roster. She focused on contributing through defensive responsibility, board battles, and what she calls "the little plays" that might not show up on traditional statistics.
"I had many conversations with head coach Troy Ryan about what they wanted from me," Connors said. "I think we had a very deep team last year and obviously to be on a team like that might mean you are playing a different role. So I think I took a lot more pride in little plays."
Building Chemistry and Creating Opportunities
While firm lines haven't been established early in camp, Connors has found herself skating alongside roommate and close friend Emma Maltais at times. Maltais, who's transitioning back to center after primarily playing wing last season, expressed enthusiasm about the potential partnership.
"I love playing with Maggie," Maltais said. "I think her speed is key to any line that she will play on. You can really tell the effort she puts in every summer. I think it's exceptional the way she takes her training so seriously and I know she'll be ready for any opportunity she gets this year."
Connors approaches the upcoming season with a mindset focused on earning rather than expecting increased responsibility. She emphasized wanting to "create opportunity for myself" and be "trusted by the coaches" to make a meaningful impact. The dedication she showed throughout the off-season at Gary Roberts' facility suggests she's well-positioned to do exactly that when the Sceptres begin their third PWHL campaign.
