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Daryl Watts

Daryl Watts is a Canadian ice hockey forward from Toronto, Ontario, who plays in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and for Team Canada.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Daryl Watts is a Canadian ice hockey forward from Toronto, Ontario, who plays in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and for Team Canada. She won the 2018 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award as a freshman at Boston College and later returned to hockey after briefly stepping away from the sport. Watts made her Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics, helping Canada win silver.

Early life and education

Watts was born in Toronto, Ontario, and played youth hockey in the Greater Toronto Area. She played college hockey for Boston College and later the University of Wisconsin. Her development in Toronto was influenced by the city’s deep hockey culture, exemplified by figures such as Don Cherry.

College career

At Boston College, Watts had a standout freshman season and won the 2018 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, becoming the first freshman to receive the honour. She later continued her NCAA career at Wisconsin and finished among the top scorers in NCAA women’s hockey history. Her achievements drew comparisons to legendary Canadian players like Patrick Roy in terms of impact on the sport.

Professional career

Watts entered professional women’s hockey in the PWHL and played for the Toronto Sceptres. In June 2026, PWHL Detroit announced she would be its first player as part of the league’s expansion roster process. Her transition to the professional level mirrors the trajectory of NHL players such as Brad Marchand, who also rose through Canadian hockey systems.

International career

Watts debuted for Canada at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, where the team won silver. She then made her Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026, where Canada also won silver. Watts was Team Canada’s leading scorer in the tournament, cementing her status among elite Canadian hockey talent.

Key facts

  • Watts is a Canadian women’s ice hockey forward from Toronto.
  • She won the 2018 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award while playing for Boston College.
  • She transferred to the University of Wisconsin and later returned to hockey after a brief retirement from the sport.
  • She represented Canada at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, winning silver.
  • She made her Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics and was Team Canada’s leading scorer.
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Canadian context

Watts is a Canadian athlete from Toronto who has represented Canada at the IIHF Women’s World Championship and the Winter Olympics, making her relevant to Canadian women’s hockey fans and Olympic coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Daryl Watts?
Daryl Watts is a Canadian ice hockey forward who plays professionally in the PWHL and has represented Canada internationally.
Where is Daryl Watts from?
She is from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
What is Daryl Watts known for in college hockey?
She won the 2018 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award as a freshman at Boston College.
Which PWHL team does Daryl Watts play for?
As of June 2026, PWHL Detroit announced her as its first player through an expansion foundational offer.
Has Daryl Watts played for Team Canada?
Yes. She played at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship and the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Did Daryl Watts win an Olympic medal?
Yes. Canada won silver at Milano Cortina 2026, where Watts made her Olympic debut.

References

  1. Olympic.cahttps://olympic.ca/team-canada/daryl-watts/
    Supports: Birthplace, sport, Olympic debut, 2026 silver medal, Team Canada biography
  2. PWHLhttps://www.thepwhl.com/en/olympics/athlete/daryl-watts
    Supports: Birthdate, birthplace, college history, PWHL team, position, shoots, Patty Kazmaier award, international résumé
  3. PWHL Detroithttps://www.thepwhl.com/en/teams/detroit/news/2026/june/05/daryl-watts-becomes-first-member-of-pwhl-detroit-with-expansion-foundational-offer
    Supports: June 2026 expansion foundational offer and four-year contract with PWHL Detroit
  4. CBC Sportshttps://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/pwhl/daryl-watts-sceptres-olympic-2025-1.7615031
    Supports: Return to hockey, Olympic camp context, Canadian hockey profile
  5. Wisconsin Badgershttps://uwbadgers.com/sports/womens-ice-hockey/roster/daryl-watts/9902
    Supports: College roster details, position, hometown, prior school