Nova Scotians with Toronto Sceptres heading for PWHL playoff rematch

Nova Scotia PWHL players with the Toronto Sceptres are headed for a playoff semifinals rematch against the defending Walter Cup champion Minnesota Frost on Wednesday. 

It's a shot at redemption for the Toronto team, which fell in five games to Minnesota in last season's semifinal of the Professional Women's Hockey League.

"We're really stoked," said third-string goaltender CJ Jackson, who's from Amherst, N.S. 

 "We've got a chip on our shoulder and this is a great opportunity for us to answer."

The Sceptres finished the regular season in second place, making the playoffs for the second consecutive year in the still relatively new league.

Jackson recently won their first PWHL start on April 29 at home in a shootout. The win, along with a loss from the Ottawa Charge the next day, helped the Sceptres secure home-ice advantage for the opening round of the playoffs.

To hear the crowd chanting their name while facing down an opposing forward in the shootout was a special experience, Jackson said.

"How does that not electrify you, right?" they said. "That's what you dream about."

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Although Jackson's parents found out late the previous night that Jackson was starting the game, they were able to make it to the stands to watch them win.

Despite last year's loss to Minnesota, defender Allie Munroe of Yarmouth, N.S., said it's a new Toronto team this year. "We're focused on our new group," she said. 

On Saturday, the Sceptres announced that Munroe was named an alternate captain.

"It was a huge honour and … I have a lot of pride that comes with it," she said. 

Toronto's leadership team includes captain Blayre Turnbull, who hails from Stellarton, N.S. Meanwhile, head coach Troy Ryan is from Spryfield, N.S.

Both Jackson and Munroe said they try to consistently reflect on their time in the league.

"I think it keeps me grounded and makes me stay grateful just how lucky I am to be working this job," Munroe said. "I really try not to take a day for granted."

Game 1 of the best-of-five series between Toronto and Minnesota begins Wednesday at 8 p.m. AT (7 p.m. ET) in Toronto's Coca-Cola Coliseum.