Sarah Fillier: A Story of Sportsmanship and Resilience
The professional women’s hockey league (PWHL) has seen its share of intense moments, but a recent exchange between Seattle Torrent defender Aneta Tejralova and New York Sirens forward Sarah Fillier has captured the attention of fans and sparked a conversation about sportsmanship. Earlier this season, Tejralova delivered a forceful hit to Fillier, resulting in an ejection and a two-game suspension for supplemental discipline.
The Incident and the Apology
The hit, deemed dangerous due to contact with the head, sidelined Fillier for one game. However, the story didn’t end there. During the 2026 Olympics, following a particularly physical game between Tejralova’s Team Czechia and Fillier’s Team Canada, Tejralova sought out Fillier to offer a personal apology.
As reported by NHL Network broadcaster Jackie Redmond, Tejralova expressed sincere remorse, stating, “I didn’t mean it…. Are you okay?” Fillier, demonstrating remarkable grace and sportsmanship, responded with understanding: “Oh no, no it’s okay. No worries…I am (okay). Good luck the rest of the way.” This brief but poignant exchange, captured by broadcast crews in Milan, Italy, highlighted the respect between the two athletes despite the on-ice incident.
A Physical Olympic Matchup
The preliminary round game between Canada and Czechia was a hard-fought battle, with both teams leaving it all on the ice. Beyond the Fillier-Tejralova interaction, the game saw injuries to key players including Canada’s Marie-Philip Poulin, and Czechia’s Sara Cajanova and Barbora Jurickova. Canada ultimately emerged victorious with a 5-1 win, with Sarah Fillier even contributing a goal to her team’s success.
Fillier’s Continued Performance
Despite the earlier injury, Sarah Fillier continues to be a vital player for Team Canada and the New York Sirens. Her ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain a positive attitude is a testament to her character and dedication to the sport. The PWHL is quickly becoming known for its competitive spirit and the inspiring stories of its athletes, and Fillier’s journey is a prime example.
You can find more information about the PWHL and its players on the official PWHL website.
