'A surreal moment' as former London Devilette is first-round pick for PWHL Toronto

A lot of things went through Julia Gosling's mind the moment her name was announced as the sixth overall draft to the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) and a first-round pick for PWHL Toronto on Monday. 

"There was definitely a bit of shock," the 23-year-old hockey forward from London, Ont., told CBC News. "I didn't know where exactly I'd end up and once I heard them say my name it was such a surreal moment, and that my dream came true was just unreal."

Gosling draft was announced in Minnesota by tennis legends Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss. 

Playing hockey since the age of six, Gosling has played for the Canada women's national under-18 ice hockey team and has represented Canada in the IIHF U18 Women's World Championships in 2018 and 2019. Gosling's name was only added to the draft list a week before she was selected. 

"It's a huge honour, but I still have to prove myself and it'll be a challenge in this new league as it's very intense, physical and fast, so I'm excited to get going and learn new things," she said. 

WATCH | Julia Gosling on her PWHL Toronto draft:

Former London devilette drafted to PWHL Toronto

6 months ago

Duration 1:21

Julia Gosling, 23, recounts the moment her name was announced as the 6th overall draft for PWHL Toronto.

It's been a busy year for women in sports with the expansion of the WNBA to Toronto, and Canada's first professional women's soccer league, set to kick off in April 2025, a trend that Gosling said she wants to see continue.

"Obviously, visibility is awesome for all these young girls, they finally get to watch professional athletes that are similar to them and they can strive to be those people," said Gosling. 

"I'm hoping it'll keep people in the game much longer and I think it's just going to make it way more competitive and make people want to achieve that dream too."

An exceptional player, says former coach

Gosling spent a lot of her early teens with the London Devilettes Girls Hockey Association, where she won provincial and league championships. 

Her draft was no surprise for Ted Brown, Gosling's former Devilettes coach, who said she is "an exceptional player."

"She's a power forward which means that she's strong, she is extremely fast at skating, handles the puck very well and is not afraid of a little body contact. She plays all areas of the game," he said.

Other former Devilettes shining in professional hockey include Ingersoll native Ella Shelton, and Julia's cousin Nicole Gosling, a defender for Team Canada in the PWHL.

Many have gone on to play Division 1 hockey for U.S. college teams as well, said Brown, adding that these players inspire the more than 800 young women currently on the Devilettes. 

"They're just such good mentors for these kids who look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps," said Brown. "Now these players realize that they can go beyond just playing at a university level. They can now actually make a living playing the game they grew up playing." 

Giving back to London's hockey community is a top priority for Gosling, who routinely does skill development with younger players and wants to pave the way for all young athletes. 

"I love the game so much and I've been so lucky to have all these role models and opportunities so I think if other people can experience what I have, then giving back to the game makes me happy," she said. 

Gosling looks forward to starting her season in November and will spend all summer training for it. She said the best about playing for team Toronto is how close she'll be to her hometown. 

"I'm excited to be so close to London so my family and friends can come watch me. I'm definitely lucky and I'll get to bring my own fans [to the games] now."