Moon Township, Pa. – The Isobel Cup, which has been touring the globe with the Toronto Six members all summer, made its way to St. Thomas, Canada this past week, the home of RMU alumni Brittany Howard ('18).
In the first seven years of the Premier Hockey Federation, since the 2015-16 season, the championship was won by an American team. Until this past season, Howard and her teammates hoisted the trophy, beating the Minnesota Whitecaps, 4-3 on March 26
th to bring a Canadian team its first title in league history.
Along the way to the title game, Howard led her team to a second-place finish in the regular season with a 17-5-2 overall record. "Our team had an incredible regular season," said Howard. "We knew the playoffs would be a grind. It showed our culture coming back down 0-1 to Connecticut in the series." In 20 games, she was the team's leading scorer with 16 goals and 26 points, and was named a PHF all-star. Across four playoff games, Howard put in two goals and dished out two assists on their way to winning Toronto's first PHF championship.
"In my first year, I wanted to make my mark, just as I did at RMU," said Howard. "I was able to put the puck in the net early, giving me confidence."
Just as NHL players that win the Stanley Cup get to spend a day with the cup, Howard and her teammates were each given the opportunity to spend four days with the Isobel Cup.
During her first couple days with the Cup, Howard and her family brought the cup to some of her childhood hockey teams, including the St. Thomas Panthers and Bellmont Bad Girls. She played for these teams at ages nine to 11. And, later on was the Player Development Director for Bellmont in 2021.
Back in her collegiate days at RMU, Howard went home to St. Thomas to train over the summer in the off-season. It was therefore important for her to bring the Cup back to her hometown rink as well. In the process she visited two high schools in the Ottawa and Toronto area, talking to three fitness and gym classes at the high school age. During their lunch period, a total of about 90 kids got the opportunity to take photos with the Cup.
On her last day with the Cup, Howard was invited to the City Council in St. Thomas by her Aunt, Karen Vecchio, a Member of Parliament in the Canadian Government. While there she got to sit in on the meetings in the House of Commons and show the Cup off to several Canadian politicians, including Prime Minister candidate, Pierre Poilievre. Howard and Toronto Six teammate Rachel Seeley brought the Cup onto Parliament Hill for the first time.
"Brittany's success both on and off the ice is a true testament to her dedication and determination with everything she does," said Assistant Coach Liam Cavanagh. "She represents RMU and our hockey program in the best way possible. We're fortunate to have Brit as such an integral part of our program's success over the years both as a student-athlete and a graduate!"
During her time at RMU, Howard became one of the most decorated student-athletes in RMU Athletics history. In her senior and fifth-year seasons, Howard led her team to their first Regular Season Title in 2017, and then again in 2018. In 2017, she won with her teammates the College Hockey America Championship and earned the program's first appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Playing in 138 career games for the Colonials, Howard produced 181 total points, recording 79 goals and 102 assists. She also scored the game-winning goal 19 times and collected 21 power-play goals with four short-handed goals. All-time, Howard ranks second in program history in points and goals.
Right off the bat in her freshman season, Howard was tabbed to the All-USCHO Rookie Team, All-CHA Rookie Team and All-CHA Second-Team. In her junior season, Howard was named All-CHA First-Team and made the CHA All-Tournament Team. After her senior season, she was awarded the prestigious title of Dapper Dan Charities Pittsburgh Sportswoman of the Year, as she was named the CHA Player of the Year on the All-CHA First-Team. In her final year as a Colonial, Howard was named a Patty Kazmaier Award top-ten finalist. She was also tabbed as the CHA Player of the Year for a second time, All-CHA First Team, made the All-CHA Tournament Team, and nationally was listed Second-Team ACHA All-American and Third-Team All-USCHO.
Howard stated, "RMU is close to my heart; it was my home for five years. I wear my team necklace from RMU which brings me good luck. The coaches and everyone were able to create a culture that was so welcoming as I was arriving on campus as a young 17-year-old. Coming from a small hometown, I felt right at home. I got to play with great players during my entire tenure, and it helped me grow and mature on and off the ice."
Moving forward, Howard recently signed a two-year deal with the Boston Pride. "I know a few players headed that way, including the league MVP, Loren Gabel. We had good chemistry in the all-star game. I believe we're going to be roommates up in Boston."
Howard stated herself and other alums of RMU have a group chat where they stay connected and have been talking about the return of the RMU hockey programs. "Depending on our schedule, we're planning to be there for the home opener. We're thrilled to have RMU back and see them play again."
"Brittany continues to do wonderful things, and we could not be prouder of her," said Head Coach
Logan Bittle. "She represents RMU and our hockey program in the brightest of lights. Brit is a champion both on and off the ice."
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