Top 5 2024 Sports Moments

2024 was filled with so many incredible sports moments, but some stood out and captured the minds and hearts of everyone.

Number 1

A Season Of Firsts

On May 5th, 2024, the first season of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) came to a close, creating a historic moment for women’s hockey. The league was introduced in the summer of 2023 and featured six teams: Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto. Minnesota won the first-ever Walter Cup in their 3-0 victory over Boston. 

Minnesota closed their regular season with a five-game losing streak sneaked into the playoffs and claimed the Walter Cup as theirs The first milestone in the PWHL came from New York’s Ella Shelton, who scored the first-ever PWHL goal shortly after New Year against Toronto. The first-ever game was in front of a sold-out crowd of 2,400 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre in downtown Toronto, and these numbers only kept growing. A day later more than 8,300 people filled the TD Place in Boston's game against Ottawa. Then a crowd of 13000 people supported Minnestosa in their game on January 6th at their home opener, this was a pivotal moment in the PWHL proving that they could make it work. 

After a high demand for tickets, Toronto was moved to Scotiabank Arena in February to accommodate their growing crowds, they have now officially been moved to Coca-Cola Coliseum. Their first game in their new arena sold out with 19,285 people in attendance, that number was quickly shattered in their rematch in Montreal at the Bell Centre where they had 21,105 people in attendance. Despite the teams not having proper team names, logos, and merchandise quickly selling out the support from fans seemed to only grow.

This first season of the PWHL was a big adjustment for fans and players themselves, with growth in support from fans the PWHL official sponsor Molson made a campaign that captured the hearts of many. By placing their name on the PWHL jerseys at the top while the player's names were at the bottom their campaign was “we covered our name, so hers could be seen” so the hair from the players wouldn't be covering their names anymore. This act was meaningful for female players everywhere and drew a lot of attention to PWHL. These new jerseys made their appearance at the Mattamy athletic centre on International Women's Day and showcased this new sponsorship. This showcased the importance of female athletes everywhere and how they are to be valued. 

After the completion of the first season, the six PWHL teams were given logos and official team names. Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montreal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Septres. With the 2024 season officially wrapped up and all of the teams branded, it's clear the future for the PWHL will thrive. After a successful first year, the PWHL will only grow from here on. We can only imagine what 2025 has in store. 

Number 2

   Celebrating Victory: The Golden Couple Hunter Woodhall and Tara-Davis Woodhall

The 2024 Olympics were not only a showcase of great athletes but also love stories straight out of a movie. With all the outstanding talent and deep connections we witnessed there was no better place than Paris, the city of love, to watch it all unfold. Among the many inspiring moments, one couple stood out: USA’s Golden Couple, Hunter Woodall and Tara Davis-Woodhall, whose love and support for each other captured the hearts of many around the world. 

Hunter Woodall competed in the 2024 Paralympics running the men's 100m, men's 400m, and the 4x100m relay. He earned a gold medal in the 400m and a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay. This victory was bittersweet after Hunter was forced to withdraw from his 400m race in 2023 at the world championships in Paris due to a malfunctioning prosthetic. He came back stronger than ever, bringing home gold with his wife, Olympic gold medalist Tara Davis, by his side. 

Tara Davis won Gold in the women's long jump, with an impressive distance of 7.10m. Both Tara and Hunter won the hearts of the public by not only their incredible athleticism but also by showcasing their undying support for one another. Before celebrating with anyone else both Tara and Hunter ran into each other arms to celebrate their wins.

 The golden couple have continued to inspire others by sharing their love and their journey in preparing for their next events. Be sure to check out their social media pages to follow their journey. 

Number 3

The Chiefs’ Three-Peat Dream and Brock Purdy: Mr. Irrelevant No More

The Kansas City Chiefs ended their 2022-2023 season with a dramatic, back-to-back win against the San Fransico 49ers, securing a 22-25 overtime victory. The Chiefs had the support of many throughout the seasons and were favored to win. Even as they were celebrating, they were already thinking ahead to the 2025 Superbowl, hoping to claim their third straight Superbowl. 

The story off the field was just as captivating as the story off the field as well. The Chiefs had gained a lot of new fans this year. With the blossoming relationship between tight end Travis Kelce and Singer-Songwriter Taylor Swift. Her devoted fans also known as “swifties” wanted to support her and her newfound love of football, from tuning into games just for a glimpse of Taylor on their screen to learning football terminology so they too could support Travis Kelce and the Cheifs. 

On the other side of the field, the 49ers also had some extra attention with their quarterback, Brock Purdy. The last pick in the 2022 draft by the 49ers, becoming widely known as  “Mr. irrelevant”. After injuries from both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garappolo, Brock Purdy became the starting quarterback in week 13 of the 2022-2023 season. Despite it being his rookie season Purdy led the team to the NFC West title and, became the third quarterback to win two playoff games in his rookie season. Although the 49ers fell short in overtime Brock Purdy proved he was anything but irrelevant. 

So do you think the Kansas City Chiefs will go for a 3-peat this upcoming year, Or will Brock Purdy take his team back to the Superbowl and finish what he started?

Number 4

The Goalies Bond and Their Final Goodbye

On the other side of the ice, the Boston Bruins had two players with a bond like no other, both hoping it would not be the last time they shared the ice. Goalies Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark were fan favorites, not just because of their performance, but for their profound connection and friendship. The pair closed out every game with a goalie hug, making every fan fall in love with their dynamic.

 During their regular season, Swayman and Ullmark shared the starting role for every game both having incredible performances. During their first-round playoffs against the Leafs, they continued this rotating start. After game 2 Ullmark was ultimately pulled for the remainder of the series and Swayman took the net for the following games. This decision was not a reflection on Ullmarks skills as a goalie but was a strategic move, when it came down to it Swayman was the stronger option against the Leafs. 

With both fighting for a contract at the end of the season, Swayman and Ullmark expressed multiple times how much they both mean to one another. No matter the outcome, they knew they would always be family. After the Bruins were eliminated in the second round by the Flordia Panthers,  Swayman and Ullmark unknowingly shared their last goalie hug on May 14, 2024. 

In the offseason, Jeremy Swayman signed an eight-year contract extension, while Linus Ullmark was traded to the Ottawa Senators and signed a four-year contract. Out of respect for one another they both agreed that their goalie hug tradition would stay with them, a symbol of an era that will forever remain in 2024. 

NUMBER 5

From Hope to Heartbreak: Nylander's sprinkle of hope 

The infamous playoff match-up between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs was nothing short of thrilling. The Toronto Maple Leafs had not made it past the first round since their victory over Tampa Bay in 2004, but with unwavering hope, Toronto fans believed this was the year they would make it to the second round, especially after forcing game seven against Boston. 

William Nylander, who has said that he thrives under pressure, proved it in game six. Against Boston, Nylander scored the only two goals of the night in the second and third periods with assists from Morgan Rielly, Matthew Knies, and Timothy Liljgreen. This win forced the series into game seven. 

After game seven was sent into overtime and the Leafs were given yet another chance to secure a win because of a goal by Nylander, they fell short after a goal by David Pasternak and were eliminated from playoffs in the first round once again.