RED DEER – March 8 is International Women’s Day and Hockey Alberta is taking the time to celebrate and recognize our female staff and volunteers who dedicate their time to make our game great.
International Women’s Day is a global day to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Celebrated annually, the day serves to celebrate women’s achievements, educate and raise awareness for women’s equality, call for positive change advancing women and lobby for accelerated gender parity.
Hundreds of women have created a space in the game for themselves as players, coaches, officials, executives, and volunteers at all levels. In addition, each year there are dozens of women volunteering annually as executive members on Regional Officials committees, and as coaches, trainers and therapists, and directors of operations for events such as the Alberta Challenge and the Summer Showcase, and Team Alberta programming.
To honour, celebrate and recognize the women across the province involved with Hockey Alberta, we wanted to highlight our staff and volunteers.
Hockey Alberta Staff
Darcy Smith
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Four years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Manager, Hockey Alberta Foundation & Recruitment.
Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
Volunteer - Director of Operations for Alberta Cup & Prospects Cup
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Fell in love with the game growing up in the rinks with my Dad and brothers involved in the sport and then spent many volunteer hours as a "Hockey Mom" managing my boys teams. I love to give back to our communities and see the spirit of hockey alive and well. This is so much more than a game -it is a way of life, that continues to give back!
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I am a true advocate of women in sports! Love that we are making our game more accessible to those who want to play. We are providing opportunities not only on the ice but by growing strong future leaders within our communities. The future is bright for women in sports!
Morgen Kidney
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Coordinator, Minor Leagues.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Hockey is the sport I grew up playing and loving, and it brought me to many different places in life as a player. The only part of Canada it didn’t bring me to was out west, so when the opportunity to get back into the sport I loved (this time as a professional) came up... I had to apply!
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I’ve been lucky to have worked only in sport organizations where being a woman is just that... nothing to do with the job, just your personal identification. However, I feel like I have something to prove in succeeding within my career. I’m not sure if it’s the factor of being a woman, or just being in such a sought-after employment of sports management.
Cassie Campbell
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
One year.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Coordinator, Grassroots Growth & Retention.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I got involved with Hockey Alberta because of the impact of this role specifically. I am passionate about reducing barriers to participation and creating opportunities for hockey to meet people where they are.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Being a woman in sport means opportunities for myself, for my family and for other women in sports. My involvement through different roles in sports has given me so many new and positive experiences, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a community that is far reaching and tightly knit, where you can always find support.
Carlia Schwab
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two months.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Manager, EDI & Safe Sport.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
It has always been a passion of mine to work within the sports world, and specifically within Hockey. From a young age I spent a large portion of my time in rinks and around Hockey. Having never gotten to play the sport myself I always thought a career within hockey out of my reach. It wasn’t until my position was created that I found this long held career dream was within reach. I appreciate being given the opportunity to bring my work knowledge and expertise into the Hockey world.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Growing up around hockey was exciting however, it had never crossed my mind that hockey could be a thing for me, that I could play. Being a woman in sports today means that young girls can have a voice and an advocate, something I wish there could have been for me. For those girls who grow up in rinks and around hockey, they can now be presented with new, inclusive and competitive opportunities to play. Having never had the opportunity to play hockey being a women in sport now allows me to use my voice to influence change, to help create safe spaces for girls and women and help to progress hockey into a place with more inclusive options for females.
Ellery Platts
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
One year.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Coordinator, Social Media.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Working for Hockey Alberta allows me to combine all my passions into one space. My love for sports, meeting and working with new people, photography, and seeing new places. Hockey Alberta allows me to expand my abilities and grow within an industry I love.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
It means innovating and bringing a new voice into a set space. It means helping create a path for those who come after me. Being a woman working in sports is demonstrating to young girls that boundaries only exist in our minds. There’s always a way to turn what you love into a career.
Sam Maupin
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
I have over 15 years experience with various roles in club teams, MHAs and Hockey Alberta commitee roles but have recently become employed with Hockey Alberta.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Manager of Member Services.
Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
I am also the outgoing President of the North Central Hockey League, as well as the Lead Registrar of the Blindman Valley Minor Hockey Association. I am also wrapping up my time as a member of the Hockey Alberta Minor Admin Committee.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
For me the progression was natural. I became involved with Hockey Alberta as a result of being involved with the sport at local levels. I became involved at the local level from a pure love of the game and a desire to contribute to its success and longevity locally. A important factor here was the ask. A group asked me to get involved and contribute to their team. I believe this is an Important factor in getting girls and women involved in sport. Reach out and ask them to join your organization. Managing the sport from an off ice perspective necessitated positive relationships with Hockey Alberta. That knowledge, experience and relationship has manifested into many other opportunities the most recent being my role as the Manager of Member Services.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I enjoy being a woman in sport. While hockey has made great progress in diversity and inclusion I value my ability to show young girls and other women that there is space for them in hockey. On or off the ice.
Kara Spady
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two and a half years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Marketing and Promotions Manager.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
My story isn’t much different than most who grew up playing in small-town, Alberta. Being one of only three girls in our era who played organized hockey, I learned all the great and hard life-skills and lessons that the sport has to offer. I fell in love with the game on the dugout and I still love the game most when I’m playing with my friends and family. Hockey continues to teach me a lot and working in it has given me once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. My role at Hockey Alberta allows me to stay close to the game, share my passion for the sport and support initiatives that help people experience the great game with their friends and family.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Growing up, I was surrounded by strong women of all ages, who broke glass ceilings and held space in sport. Because of them, I never believed I couldn’t do something because I was a girl and have never felt like I had a "timer" on my life in sports. All girls should have role models like that. Whether you know it or not, when you’re a woman in sports, someone is always watching, learning and being shown that a life in sport does exist.
Michelle Skilnick
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
17 and a half years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Manager, Events & Community Engagement.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Started as an admin assistant in 2006 as I was looking for a change in employment and wanted not just a job, but something that I enjoyed and was passionate about.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I’m very thankful and fortunate to be able to work in sports.
Kendall Newell
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Eight years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Senior Manager, Competition.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I’ve had a lot of great opportunities and experiences due to my participation in the sport of hockey. Working at Hockey Alberta has allowed me to be part of an organization that not only helps teach the values and create positive opportunities on the ice, but also help guide our youth towards gaining important life skills and help develop them into contributing members of society.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?:
It has been incredible to watch the growth of female sports. More women and young girls are playing hockey, we’re seeing a greater diversity of female coaches and officials at all levels and there are more women being incorporated into leadership positions across the province. I believe that we are going to see more growth and diversity within our sport, which is extremely positive.
Danielle Wheeler
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Manager, Female Development.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I changed jobs from my career in accounting for 12 years to work at Hockey Alberta. The opportunity came at the perfect time. As the saying goes "find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life". I love the game and am very fortunate to be able to work within the sport I love and the sport that helped mold me.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?:
I feel as though being a woman in sport shows other females, no matter what their age, there are no limits to what females can achieve.
Holly McDavid
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Nine years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Coordinator, Member Services.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Being involved in multiple sports growing up I knew I wanted to study and work in the field. Working at Hockey Alberta allows me to be immersed in sport on a daily basis.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Embracing opportunities to make an impactful difference on the lives of young athletes and to encourage representation at all levels of sport.
Hockey Alberta Board of Directors
Kirstan Jewell
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two and a half years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Director at Large.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Primarily as a way to give back to sport that has been so valuable to my family over the years. I care about every player in every arena. As I engaged more, it has also become very much about learning, listening and helping to shape hockey culture for future generations.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
It means continuing to make a difference every day, until no one actually needs to ask that question. Until then, it means bringing a voice for diversity and change, and it means bringing empathy to decisions and experiences.
Karen Lee
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Board of Director.
Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
Member of the Hockey Alberta Audit & Risk Committee.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Like many Canadians, I grew up watching hockey with my family. My earliest memory of hockey was as a six-year-old, going to a Montreal Canadoens game at the Montreal Forum with my late father. Shortly after my family immigrated to Canada, one of my brothers started playing hockey. My brother has three sons and they all play hockey or are referees. One of my nephews played hockey in a few Canadian provinces, in Junior B and then Junior A. He also played internationally in the KHL for a year. When my nephews were playing hockey, I always noticed that their hockey teams not only emphasized teamwork, but they also instilled in the children, a strong sense of community as part of the game. This is an exciting time of change for all sports, especially for women in sports. I was impressed with Hockey Alberta’s progress in achieving diversity, equity and inclusion. I joined the board of Hockey Alberta because I wanted to apply my professional experience and diverse perspectives & experiences in order to support Hockey Alberta in creating positive opportunities and experiences for all players through innovative leadership and exceptional service.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
As a female growing up in a traditional Asian immigrant household, my parents worked multiple jobs and were unable to take me to and from activities, outside of going to school. I did not have the opportunity to participate in sports as a child because it was not seen as a priority for a girl, which was not always the case for my older brothers. As an adult, I became keenly aware of the impact of missing out on participating in sports as a child and how it has affected my life. I believe in the power of sport to develop social, life, leadership, team and community building skills. Since I did not have opportunities for sports outside of school as a child, my sport journey began as an adult. I served as a volunteer ’blue jacket’ with the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. I am a Jury Member & Official for the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF). As a Hockey Alberta board member and member of the Audit & Risk Committee, I support and advance Hockey Alberta’s vision, mission and values. I believe it’s important to give all children the opportunity to participate in sports. I would like women to know that even though they may not have had the opportunity to participate in sports in their youth, women can still participate and make a meaningful contribution in!
Hockey Alberta Foundation Board of Directors
Lisa Vlooswyk
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Four years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Board Member on the Hockey Alberta Foundation Board.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
My son has been playing hockey since he was a Timbit! It has brought him such great joy and we have wonderful family memories of all of his time at the rink. He was recently drafted in the first round to a WHL team and looks forward to playing there full-time next year. Although I am not a proficient skater, I see how much happiness it has brought our son, and I want to make sure that every child in Alberta who would like to learn the game can have that opportunity. Our Foundation’s motto: Every Kid Every Community, is why I volunteer.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I competed at a National level in gymnastics, competed for the University of Calgary on their varsity Track and Field team, and am an eight-time Canadian Long Drive Champion in golf. My top finish at the World Long Drive Championships is second place. I believe that sport has taught me about dedication, commitment, hard work, competition, and sportsmanship and has given me the confidence and character that I have brought into every aspect of my life. Sport has been a gift in my life and I believe that all girls should be involved in sport at a young age for this reason. I am proud that my son from a young age has always seen women as athletes because his mom was an athlete.
Minor Discipline Committee
Sharlene Cook
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
10 years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Minor Discipline, RSC Edmonton.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Hockey Edmonton needed a smart, hard working, rule understanding person to fill the role of Discipline and take the role on with Hockey Alberta.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
We as woman are trailblazers and I firmly believe we can see the potential in the game for not only woman, but all who want to play the game. I believe we see things differently than our male counterparts and bring a different perspective to the game. We are fierce in our dedication to the game and our roles within the game we all love.
Elite Female hockey
Lise Côté
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Eight years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Chair of the Alberta Female Hockey League.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
My kids were nearing the end of their hockey journey, but I wasn’t quite ready to bid farewell to the rink. Had it not been for my close friend’s recommendation, I likely wouldn’t be here. Having served as both a team manager and president of the association, I felt it was time to join a different committee.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Being a woman in sports encompasses facing unique challenges, breaking barriers and advocating for equality. Witnessing the evolution of girls hockey over the years has been gratifying, and knowing that I might have played a tiny part in that progress is rewarding.
Jody Forbes
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Over 10 years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Vice Chair for Elite Female Committee.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I had sat on numerous Hockey Alberta committees and task groups during my time with Hockey Calgary and Girls Hockey Calgary, so when I moved on from those organizations it was natural for me to take a role with Hockey Alberta’s Elite Female Committee.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I am extremely passionate about female sport and the benefit to all women and girls from being involved in sport. Growing up as a female in competitive sport and it taught me about commitment, dedication, leadership, and gave me confidence. I want to be able to give that back to our next generation of girls so they can experience the same benefits. The retention rates for girls in sport is appalling and I want to be able to positively impact those sporting experiences so we can continue to grow female hockey and keep girls on the ice.
Life Member
Annie Orton
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Since 1998.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Life Member.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I wanted to make the game better for all players.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I’m proud of the impact women have had on hockey. As administrators coaches officials and players.
Officials
Kelsey Hagan
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Nine years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Official.
Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
On the executive board for Central Region - Female Coaching & Mentorship.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I was initially involved in officiating in Ontario and then I moved to Calgary and joined Hockey Alberta. In my first few years of officiating, I had many mentors who coached and helped develop me as an official. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. When I moved to Alberta, I wanted to be more involved in mentorship so I could give back. I started by running our Female Development Mini-Clinic once a year, and now I have been on the executive pushing for development opportunities for our female officials for three years. My goal is to help up-and-coming female officials the same way my mentors helped me.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
To be a woman in sports is to be part of a community of women who are proud of who we are and how far we have come. It can be hard sometimes, especially in a [hockey] world that has been mostly male-dominated for a long time, but together, we can do amazing things. I believe it’s important to empower, challenge, and encourage each other so we can continue to push the limits, make a difference, and see how far we can go.
Brenda Honish
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
46 years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Official and the Female Director on the Central Region Board.
Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
Director with the Okotoks Referee Association Liaison for the Okotoks Referee Association with the Okotoks Minor Hockey Association.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Played hockey and wanted to learn the rules, then got hooked on officiating. Joined Referee Boards to give back to my referee association. Also an assignor for Okotoks for the past 30 years.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
When I started there were not many females that played hockey, let alone referee. My parents raised me to know I could do anything boys did and with three brothers, I had to do whatever they did. I basically thought that doing whatever boys did was normal for girls, hockey was a big part of our lives. When I’d officiate some people thought it was great to see a female and some told me to go back into the kitchen. That comment made me more determined to do the best I could and get more females involved. While skating female hockey, I was constantly recruiting females and in Okotoks, we went from just me to 17 females one season. I would mentor each of them personally and encourage them to reach for the stars. Finally there are more opportunities for female officials, it’s so exciting. I had the opportunity to skate the 2000 Alberta Winter Games, Senior A Women’s Provincials and the female division in the Mac’s Tournament. I thoroughly enjoy working with the young officials and volunteering on the various boards. It’s all about the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made, that keep me coming back year after year, on and off the ice!
Karen Kane
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Since the 1990’s.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Volunteer: Registrar for Central Region Referees.
Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
Not currently. Over the years have been a goalie, on-ice official and administrator. In early 1990s was President of SAWHA (Southern Alberta Women’s Hockey Association). In the late 1990s was Senior Rep on Female Council. Was a referee instructor for Central Region (Central Zone) from 2000-2018. Have been the Central Region Registrar for a number of years now.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
It just naturally happened because of the importance the game of hockey has had in my life. Current role is a way to hang around and give back now that I am no longer an active skater.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?:
Never really thought much about that question. Hockey is for everyone and I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived that for over four decades now, first in Montreal and then in Alberta.
Minor Female Committee
Julie Feragen
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
I’m in my eighth season.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Minor Female Chair.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I love the sport. As a kid, I never played but grew up in a hockey house. As a parent I have two of three children played. I enjoy volunteering and this opportunity was offered to me and I felt it was a good fit. The many people throughout the years that I have met and worked with has meant a lot and some have become lifelong friendships. The people I directly associate with in Hockey Alberta are the some of the best and are always there when needed for support.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Women in sports help with the gender stereotyping that happens on all levels. Many female athletes are role models and it is a great way to show men and women can be equals. This year with the PWHL beginning is one of the greatest steps in hockey history.
Administration Committee
Amber Boman
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Northeast Hockey Alberta Administrator.
Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
Not necessarily with Hockey Alberta but within Hockey Alberta I do, I am the All Peace Hockey League U11 commissioner I believe for the last six years. I am also Smoky River Minor Hockey Association registrar for the last nine years, Native Hockey tournament registrar for about 17 years, Valleyview Jets senior men’s registrar for last two years. Prior to that I was the secretary and treasurer for about 23 years, and also the registrar for Valleyview minor hockey for about 10 years.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
The northwest administration asked me if I would be interested cause we’ve worked together as local registrar to Hockey Alberta administration for 16 years, and I wanted to broaden my hockey involvement.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I love being involved in sports and specially hockey and ball cause I have 4 children all who play or played. My three sons did hockey and my daughter did softball and my youngest son played AA baseball as well.
Seema King
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Ten years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Minor Administration - North Central Region.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
I got involved with Hockey Alberta through Michelle Skilnick. She was with Member Services at that time and had reached out to me as a previous Registrar with my minor hockey association to see if I would be interested in a role with Hockey Alberta in Administration in my Zone.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I think it is important for women to be involved in a sport such as hockey. To be able to increase participation and grow the game, there needs to be voices from all different backgrounds, that includes females, which is one of the fastest growing demographics in minor hockey today.
Darcie Brady
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
This is my first year in an official role with Hockey Alberta.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Central Alberta Admin.
Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
I am also a governor for one of the minor leagues.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Nine years ago my oldest son came to me with an interest to play hockey and in that nine years I made a progression from a hockey mom, to manager, MHA registrar, league governor and last summer when the opportunity presented itself to become an admin for Hockey Alberta it called to me to make the jump.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
When I started playing hockey as a minor, hockey was still very much about it being a ’boys’ sport and I was on an all female team that did not have a lot of other all female opponents local to us to play. I consider my role as a women in sport to be an honour, I feel that while it is more recognized that women can and should be involved in sports at all levels and aspects; that it is important that women like myself continue to pave the way for future women. It is really exciting to me while doing work in my volunteer roles within minor hockey to be able to see that female teams are more recognized than they once were and I hope that they continue to grow in popularity.
Diane Ziemmer
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Six years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Zone Administrator.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
To give back to the hockey community, to share knowledge that I had learned through grassroots rural hockey.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Empowerment and acceptance! Proving many wrong and constantly breaking down barriers.
Janet Fairless
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
16 years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Minor Administration Coordinator Northwest Region.
Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?
Minor Administration Coordinator Chair.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
My zone needed a registrar, since then it is to try and help rural areas have a voice.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
I have never really thought myself any different, I am a person in sport.
Member Liaison
Chantel Timmons
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Two years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
Member Liaison.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
Simply put, I love the game! I like to be involved, and when this volunteer position came up I jumped at the offer to become a part of Hockey Alberta’s team. I previously spent over 14 years serving on my local MHA board of directors, with 6 of those years being President. I enjoy working with the MHA Presidents, as well as being able to help teams, coaches and managers clarify or interpret bylaws, regulations, and policies all to reach the same end goal....keeping the kids in the game.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Hockey has long since been viewed as a male-dominated sport, both on and off the ice. So being a woman and able to become a part of the Hockey Alberta team has been awesome. I feel like I am seen as nothing less than an equal peer, an integral part of the team and have the same respect as anyone else does. At Hockey Alberta we are simply one team, there is no gender discrimination within and that is what creates success in our great sport of hockey.
League Scheduler
Traci Frost
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?
Three years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?
League Scheduler.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?
We are a big hockey family and I have always enjoyed doing what I can to be a part of the hockey community.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?
Seeing the growth in women’s sports phenomenal, and exciting. It gives these young girls and women something to aspire to and to be a part of.
Training and Medical
Paige Shannon
How many years have you spent with Hockey Alberta?:
Seven years.
What is your current role with Hockey Alberta?:
Head Athletic Therapist for Female Team Alberta program.
Do you have other roles with Hockey Alberta?:
Regional player safety liaison in Calgary and Mentor Therapist for Alberta Challenge and Prospects Cup.
Why did you get involved with Hockey Alberta?:
Originally I saw it as an opportunity to grow my career in hockey, network within the hockey world in Alberta. I continue to come back because as much as it’s still about growth and networking, I get to give back to my profession, meet incredible people, travel all over the country and watch the athletes grow into incredible young people.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in sports?:
Being a woman in sports for me has always been lonely. For a lot of my career, I was the only female on staff. Now, it’s become an empowering space where I can be exactly who I want to be while being surrounded by incredibly strong, talented and inspiring women. For me, it means fostering change from within, and helping to carve a path for the generation behind while continuing give thanks to the generation in front.