In anticipation of the kickoff for the PWHL launch on January 1st, each day I will highlight a PWHL personality.
One of the most talented sister-brother duos hailing from Ottawa, Rebecca, and Zac Leslie have been a constant source of motivation for each other throughout their remarkable careers. Being two years younger than Zac, Rebecca admirably followed his path into the hockey world, engaging in fierce battles on the ODR in their backyard. Their father also coached them in their early days. Currently, Zac plays for the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers of the National League over in Switzerland.
Alongside hockey, she passionately pursued competitive soccer during her childhood and high school days, ultimately facing the decision of choosing between the two. Thankfully, chose played hockey. Rebecca, determined and driven, played boys’ hockey until she was fifteen.
She transitioned to play for the Ottawa Lady Sens of the Provincial WHL for three years, leading the team as captain in her final year. captaining the team in the final season. She also participated in her national tournament that year, playing in her WJC-18, and securing gold.
Leslie spent the next four years at Boston University. In her freshman year, the Terriers won the Hockey East Championship against arch-rivals Boston College. In her senior year, she was appointed the captain of the team.
The following year she joined the Calgary Inferno for the final season of the CWHL, clinching the Clarkson Cup. After the CWHL’s folding, she joined the PWHPA, initially in Calgary before moving on to Montreal and eventually settling in Toronto with Team Sonnet.
Can’t wait to watch Rebecca thrive in Toronto!