Ella Shelton coming ‘home’ via trade to Toronto Sceptres

Foldens-area PWHL hockey star Ella Shelton (front and centre) was dealt to the Toronto Sceptres by the New York Sirens in exchange for the third and 27th overall picks in the 2025-26 draft. (Jeff Tribe Photo)

Jeff Tribe, Echo Correspondent

Ella Shelton’s home games will be a lot closer to her Foldens-area roots, family, friends and fans in the 2025-26 PWHL season.

The Toronto Sceptres acquired the 2024 First Team All-Star from the New York Sirens in exchange for their third and 27th overall picks in this year’s entry draft. The price the Sceptres paid to acquire Shelton is indicative of her abilities and both organizations’ high opinion of the same.

The 27-year-old is considered among the league’s elite defenders, winning gold medals with Team Canada at the 2021, 2022 and 2024 Women’s World Championships, along with a 2022 Olympic gold.

The first thing that ran through Shelton’s head upon being informed of the trade was the fact she’d be closer to her home community and its fan base, a comparatively short hour-and-a-half drive down the 401, 403 and Queen E and Gardiner Expressway.

“That’s really exciting,” said Shelton, who has always appreciated enthusiastic support, including that from girls’ hockey teams in the area. “I’m sure we’ll see a few more at a game.”

Shelton’s career informally began during street hockey competition with brothers Jesse, Jack and Maxx, progressing to the Ingersoll Express, onward with the London Devilettes and through to two NCAA National titles and captaincy with Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York.

Drafted fourth overall by New York in the inaugural PWHL draft, Shelton scored the league’s first goal, finishing with seven markers and 14 assists in her first professional season. She added eight goals and eight helpers last year, her contributions continuing to be recognized via the ‘A’ of assistant captain sewn on her number 17 jersey.

Shelton loved her two years in New York, thoroughly appreciating the opportunity to compete professionally full-time, a job description essentially requiring playing with friends in a game she loves.

“Pretty sweet 9-to-5 job when you get to do exactly what you want,” she laughed.

Understanding the business side of professional sports, Shelton is also embracing the positives attendant upon her change of scenery.

“I’m excited for something new in a different city.”

Shelton is highly respected for her performance on the ice and ongoing contributions and support in her home and area communities. She hinted those efforts will certainly continue, if not expand, and people may see a different side of Ella as her tenure in Toronto unfolds.

“I’m really excited to be here, get going with the season and work with this team,” she concluded.