Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Bridget Carleton never envisioned playing professional basketball in her home country. However, this season, she is living that dream by representing the Portland Fire in Canada.
Carleton expressed her astonishment at the opportunity, reflecting on how inaccessible the WNBA seemed during her childhood in Canada. She acknowledged the significant evolution of women’s basketball in both the United States and Canada, emphasizing the impact it has on inspiring the younger generation.
In a thrilling game in Vancouver, the Toronto Tempo managed to stage a remarkable comeback against the Fire, winning 82-79 and breaking their 12-game losing streak in front of a crowd of 12,414 supporters. The energetic audience provided a boost for the Tempo, according to center Isabelle Harrison, who appreciated the overwhelming support from Canadian fans.
Portland took an early lead, with Carleton making a significant contribution with nine points in the opening minutes. However, Toronto fought back and leveled the score at halftime. The momentum shifted in the third quarter when Harrison’s layup gave Toronto a lead, much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd at Rogers Arena.
The deafening cheers from the fans made communication challenging for Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello, who commended the unwavering support from the Canadian audience. The game was part of the Tempo’s Cross Canada series, aiming to expand their fan base and promote women’s basketball across the country.
Brondello, a long-time WNBA participant, highlighted the growth of the league and the positive impact of expanding into Canada. She emphasized the importance of showcasing women’s basketball and building a strong fan base for the Tempo and the WNBA as a whole.
The Tempo’s commitment to engaging fans across different regions was evident in their upcoming events in Vancouver, including a fan festival and a game against the Las Vegas Aces. Players like Brittney Sykes acknowledged the increasing popularity and expansion of the league, especially in Canada, emphasizing the impact on aspiring young basketball players.
Carleton, a two-time Olympian, underlined the significance of having professional women’s sports accessible in Canada, inspiring future generations of athletes. She emphasized the message that seeing successful female athletes up close can empower young athletes to dream big and strive for excellence in their pursuits.
