Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Bridget Carleton never envisioned herself playing professional basketball in her home country. However, this season has brought her that very opportunity.
Expressing her feelings, the Portland Fire forward shared, “It’s surreal. I would never have imagined this when I was a kid growing up in Canada.” Carleton recounted how her exposure to the WNBA was limited, despite her mother’s awareness of the Detroit Shock, and their occasional trips across the border to catch games.
Fast forward to the present, Carleton, now 29, finds herself playing in a WNBA game in Canada, a development she described as “crazy.” Reflecting on the growth of women’s basketball, she emphasized the positive impact of having such opportunities for young athletes to aspire to in Canada.
In a thrilling matchup in Vancouver, the Toronto Tempo (11-25) mounted an impressive comeback against the Portland Fire (15-21), overcoming a 13-point deficit to secure an 82-79 victory, snapping their 12-game losing streak. The game, witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd of 12,414, provided a significant boost to the Tempo, according to center Isabelle Harrison.
The Tempo’s performance was further elevated by the overwhelming support from the fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere inside Rogers Arena. Head coach Sandy Brondello expressed gratitude for the fans’ backing and emphasized the team’s role as Canada’s representatives in the league.
Part of the Tempo’s initiative to expand their fan base involves playing games in different parts of the country. Brondello highlighted the importance of showcasing the team and its players to new audiences, with the ultimate goal of growing support for the WNBA in Canada.
The journey continues for the Tempo, who will remain in Vancouver for the weekend. They are set to engage with fans through a festival on Saturday before facing off against the Las Vegas Aces at Rogers Arena on Sunday.
Reflecting on the impact of having WNBA games in Canada, players like Carleton and Sykes emphasized the significance for aspiring athletes, particularly young girls, in realizing their dreams and believing in their potential to reach the highest levels of the sport. The presence of professional women’s sports in Canada is seen as a significant milestone, inspiring future generations of basketball players across the country.