The Fearless, Frozen Females of Hockey

Home to the prominent Ottawa Vanier Women’s Ball Hockey League (OVWBHL), the hockey mad city of Ottawa played host to the 2015 Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA) nationals. Hosting six women’s teams, including three from Ontario, at the Jim Durrell Recreation Complex, the quest for gold featured an exceptionally strong amount of talent. From the outset, the OVWBHL featured two of its teams in the Nationals, including the Vanier Mooseheads, who captured the 2014 championship. Their top players were goaltender Nathalie Girouard and forward Elysia Desmier, who both played for Canada in a gold medal effort at the 2015 ISBHF Worlds. Joining them were OVWBHL rivals, the Ottawa Rebels, featuring several Team Canada alumnae, including Fannie Desforges and Jessica O’Grady. Of note, both were also members of the 2014 Mooseheads, with O’Grady scoring the gold-medal winning goal. The presence of such talented players ensured that the promise of high quality ball hockey defined the eve

Prior to the opening ceremonies of the 2015 Para Pan Am Games, ice sledge hockey superstar Billy Bridges was recognized for his inspiring legacy as an elite disabled athlete by having the opportunity to participate in the Para Pan Am Torch Relay. Adding to the magic of this milestone was the fact that his spouse, CWHL co-founder and Triple Gold Club for Women member Sami Jo Small joined him. Of note, they had the opportunity to be part of a historic torch relay. Two separate Para Pan Am flames were lit on August 3, the first day of the torch relay. Flames were lit in Canada’s capital of Ottawa, along with iconic Niagara Falls. The five day journey, the largest ever for a Para Pan Am Games, consisted of 250 torchbearers and 700 kilometers on the road, culminating in the two flames unifying in Toronto. Bridges and Small had the privilege of unifying both flames at David Pecaut Square near Toronto’s City Hall. In addition, legendary Paralympic athlete Rick Hansen, immortalized f

As the youngest member of the Bram hockey family, 22-year old forward Shelby Bram has carved a proud legacy that complements the achievements of her seven brothers and sisters, along with father and influential coach Bill. Having recently signed with the NWHL’s Buffalo Beauts franchise, she is part of a growing trend of strong Canadian talent joining the incipient league. Of note, she is one of several accomplished Canadian forwards joining the Beauts growing roster, including the likes of CIS stars such as Dana Skeats from Wilfrid Laurier, along with UBC’s Tatiana Rafter (who signed on the same day as Bram). Following in the footsteps of her older sister Bailey, she spent the last four seasons playing with the prestigious Mercyhurst Lakers program in Erie, Pennsylvania. Of note, the two sisters were teammates during the 2011-12 Mercyhurst Lakers season. Majoring in exercise science, Shelby played in more than 100 consecutive games with the program. Among some of her impr

As the Quinnipiac Bobcats women’s ice hockey program comes off their greatest season yet (26-9-3), a key addition to the coaching staff indicates that an even better season may loom on the horizon. Former ECAC goaltending great Amanda Mazzotta joins the staff, ready to bring her acumen to a team determined to build on the momentum of qualifying for the 2015 NCAA tournament. Since graduating from Cornell University, where she set an NCAA championship game record for most saves in one game, Mazzotta has maintained an exceptionally busy schedule. Raised in London, Ontario, she returned home, eager to share her knowledge with a new generation of future stars hoping to emulate her own success. While she pursued a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario, it represented an opportunity to gain coaching experience. Handling numerous duties, with an emphasis on video sessions and goalie coaching (a task she also handled with Team Ontario Red in 2013), there is

As the Canadian national women’s baseball team looks to capture gold medal at the 2015 Pan Am Games, a proud women’s hockey connection adds to an unforgettable group of characters. As this is the first-ever women’s baseball tournament contested in a major multi-national sporting event, the women’s hockey connection is testament to the potential of women in sport and their ability to excel in multiple arenas of competition. Having played with the national team since the inaugural Women’s World Cup of Baseball in 2004, Ashley Stephenson comprises a group of five remarkable women with roots in women’s hockey. A versatile infielder who is able to play at both shortstop and third base positions, Stephenson’s strong leadership skills can be traced back to a proud hockey career that involved five remarkable seasons with the nationally prominent Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks program. Suiting up for the Golden Hawks, her greatest legacy included the 2005 CIS National Championsh

Although the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup ended in heartbreak for Canada, there was a proud hockey presence for the host Canadian team. Although Adriana Leon established herself as a world-class athlete in soccer, her athletic roots can be traced back to hockey. Having played at the forward position at the Bantam AA level with the Vaughan Flames and the Willowdale Red Wings, the King City raised Leon competed with the prestigious Toronto Aeros at the PWHL level. Of note, Leon would experience many glories with the Aeros, a team that featured superstars such as Erin Ambrose, Jillian Saulnier and third generation hockey player Laura Stacey. As a side note, Ambrose and Saulnier would contribute to Canada’s first-ever gold medal at the IIHF U18 Women’s Worlds, earning the chance to appear on hockey cards issued by Upper Deck in their 2011 World of Sports set. In the aftermath of a 2008 tournament hosted by the Furies, the honor of the Future Star award was bestowed upon her. She w

In an offseason filled with many memorable moments, the announcement of Angela Ruggiero’s induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame only adds to such magic. Prior to said announcement, CWHL Board Member Fran Rider became the first female builder to earn a spot in the IIHF Hall of Fame. Although Ruggiero becomes the fourth woman to gain entry into the prestigious Hall, an exciting aspect is the fact that she becomes the first inductee with playing experience in the CWHL. After the euphoria of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games, the CWHL made its first foray into the United States , establishing a team in Boston , resulting in borderless hockey. As a charter member of the Boston Blades, Ruggiero was more than just one of the team’s leaders; she became an ambassador for the team and the league. During the Blades inaugural season, Ruggiero made her CWHL debut on October 30, 2010 against the Burlington Barracudas. Earning an assist in her debut, it also represented a franchise milestone as i

Redefining the meaning of resilience, Danielle Gagne shall be engaging in a remarkable journey that will not only change her life, but is poised to improve the quality of others lives. Having once played for the Ohio State Buckeyes women’s ice hockey program, Gagne is spending this summer with the ambitions to participate in a bike ride that shall span 4000 miles in 70 days. Such an ambition is akin to two other empowering women. Last summer, Clara Hughes, who has represented Canada in both the Summer and Winter Games, cycled across Canada to raise money for mental health. Sponsored by Bell , Hughes successfully completed the courageous trek over 40 days. Another Canadian athlete who engaged in a cross-country journey was hockey coach Ashley Gilbank. Rollerblading across Canada in 2012, she also raised funds for mental health, with Do It for Daron as the beneficiary. As she recounted to Women’s Hockey Life, Gagne shall be burning approximately 240,000 calories. Having started

Quite possibly the most underrated superstar in the game today, Rebecca Johnston had a season to remember with the Calgary Inferno. Her acquisition not only signaled a commitment on the part of the Inferno to significantly upgrade their offensive attack, it reunited her with the likes of Bailey Bram and Haley Irwin, who contributed to Canada’s gold medal win at the 2012 IIHF Women’s World Championships. A record-breaking season with the Inferno not only solidified Johnston’s status as a franchise player in the CWHL, her league-best 37 points made her the finest free-agent signing of the off-season. Not only did she set new franchise scoring records, it set the tone for the finest season in Inferno history. Of note, the club set a new record for most wins in one season, while finishing just two points out of first overall. For her efforts, Johnston was recognized with the CWHL’s Most Outstanding Player Award, beating out fellow nominees such as Toronto’s Natalie Spooner and Bo

As the Montreal Carabins look to return to the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) national championship game, a unique group of five recruits sets a new precedent. Of note, two of the five players recruited to compete for the Carabins during the 2015-16 CIS women’s ice hockey season shall include two players with prior experience at the university level. Casandra Dupuis is a familiar name among Carabins fans, having competed for the program from 2010 to 2013, which also included the national championship season (2013). Having spent the last two seasons with the Montreal Stars of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), she appeared in the championship game of the 2015 Clarkson Cup. With two years of university eligibility remaining, she has opted to return to the Carabins, providing a strong leadership role for a program in a rebuilding phase. Joining Dupuis shall be Maude Laramee, a 2014 CIS All-Canadian Second Team selection. Having spent the first three seasons of her

In an accomplished career, Sami Jo Small has experienced many remarkable moments. Whether it was standing between the pipes in international play for Canada or guarding the crease for the Toronto Furies, a team she helped to form, Small’s legacy is significant. None may be as cherished as an arena in her hometown named in her honor.   Preserving her legacy, the dedication of the Sami Jo Small Hockey Facility at the Norberry-Glenlee Community Centre is a unique tribute, while giving younger players in the community a role model to emulate. Such an honor adds to the momentum of the revitalization of the St. Vital community centre, as the soon-to-be refurbished hockey rink and north wing of the centre shall bear Small’s name. Joining Small at the dedication ceremony included the likes of Sean Fedorowich, president of Norberry-Glenlee, and dignitaries such as Councillor Brian Mayes, St. Vital, and Christine Melnick, MLA, Riel. The community of St. Vital, Manitoba helped spar

In a time when the women's game is working towards finding methods to establish a living wage, another factor deserving of consideration is jobs for women in hockey. As Erika Vanderveer plans the next stages of her professional career, her time at The Hockey News represented the potential for female hockey players to obtain good careers in hockey. Working as the Art Director for the last three years (and another three as a Designer), Vanderveer admirably balanced her employment with the popular periodical while standing between the pipes for numerous clubs at the CWHL level. During her playing career, she held the rare distinction of having played for three different CWHL teams in the Greater Toronto Area (of note, she stood between the pipes for the Brampton Thunder, Burlington Barracudas and Toronto Furies). In addition, she was also a member of the Boston Blades during their inaugural season. Quite possibly the greatest milestone in her career at The Hockey News was the op

Although a silver medal was not how Sarah Davis envisioned the outcome of her first participation in the IIHF Women’s Worlds, a golden moment provided her with a redeeming and highly satisfying personal milestone. While she made national news as the first competitor from Newfoundland to participate on Canada’s national women’s hockey team, the native of Paradise, Newfoundland now has a new accolade to complement her athletic achievements. Recognized in a local ceremony, a street in Paradise proudly carries the new name of Sarah Davis Way. Joined by friends, family and fans alike, all eager to share in her jubilation. Humbled yet honored, Davis recognized many who helped her along the way, especially her parents. Of note, some of her first hockey experiences involved skating on a backyard rink constructed by her father. A handful of political officials were also present, including Mayor Dan Bobbett, Member of Parliament Jack Harris and Transportation Minister, David Brazil. Be

After suffering a heartbreaking (yet historic) loss to the upstart Clarkson Golden Knights in the championship game of the 2014 NCAA Frozen Four, it would prove to be a very long offseason for a very proud Minnesota Golden Gophers program. Having earned a national title as a freshman in 2013, Hannah Brandt’s aspirations for a second straight title were dashed.  With the absence of Amanda Kessel during the 2013-14 season (due to the Sochi Winter Games), it only compounded the impact of the losing. For Brandt, the responsibility of leadership and the need to anchor the team’s offensive attack, runner-up was not the desired outcome at the Frozen Four. Also finishing as the runner-up in voting for the 2014 Patty Kazmaier Award to Clarkson’s Jamie Lee Rattray was another blow that added to the disappointment. Heading into the 2015 edition of the NCAA playoffs, the level of pressure was greater than ever for Brandt. While there were many significant milestones during her junior seas

Since the first week of March, the transition from winter to spring has brought with it a memorable time in the history of American women’s ice hockey. Second generation star Alex Carpenter led the way by establishing herself as a true superstar. Her memorable month would culminate with gold at the 2015 IIHF Women’s Worlds in Malmo , Sweden . Quite possibly the greatest player in the history of the Boston College Eagles program, she was joined on the US roster by the likes of Hannah Brandt and Brianna Decker in Malmo . Of note, Brandt and Decker would add to their own legacies during March 2014. Earning CWHL Rookie of the Year honors, Decker continued to dominate in the postseason as the Boston Blades captured their second Clarkson Cup. With the absence of Amanda Kessel, Brandt would carry the offensive load, leading the Minnesota Golden Gophers to their record-breaking sixth NCAA Frozen Four title. Joining Carpenter in Malmo , all three would contribute to an emotional 7-5

With the abundance of reality shows featuring women of wealth and glamour, it would be easy to dismiss the new series   Hockey Wives: Married to the Game   as another clone. Instead, viewers are treated to a group of strong women that go beyond the trophy wife stereotype. The demeaning term Puck Bunny certainly does not apply here, as many of the wives and girlfriends in the program have their own careers. By season’s end, viewers and cynics alike will be able to determine if this program is more documentary worthy than the reality shows which show decadent lifestyles and narcissism beyond reproach, where jealousy and resentment lead to the claws coming out. So far, there have been no such catty displays. There are certainly no extravagant lifestyles or excessive shopping sprees in this program. Yet, a scene in the inaugural program certainly indicates that a pecking order exists among the group of wives and girlfriends.   Said group gathers at the house of Nicole Brown, a forme

In the aftermath of the 2015 Clarkson Cup postseason, the Brampton Thunder suited up for one more game, bringing an official close to their season. Competing in a very special match in front of their hometown faitful, the Thunder faced off against a group of NHL Alumni as part of an ongoing tour sponsored by ScotiaBank. Travelling to various arenas in order to raise funds for charity, funds were raised for the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch run for the Special Olympics . With legendary hockey dad Walter Gretzky as the NHL Alumni’s head coach, Brampton ’s Powerade Centre served as the backdrop for this fun close to Brampton ’s season. Joining Gretzky was trainer Joe Sgro, while son Brent Gretzky, who spent two years with the Tampa Bay Lightning was among the pros on the NHL Alumni roster. Former Toronto Maple Leafs competitors were aplenty on said roster. Among them were the likes of Dan Daoust, Bill Derlago, Al Iafrate, Mike Pelyk (the oldest player participating), Rick Vaive, Mark

When the first IIHF World Women’s Hockey Championships were contested in 1990, the star player for the United States was Cammi Granato. For a generation, she would become an ambassador for the game, inspiring a new group of young girls to take up the sport. Among her greatest accomplishments, she led the US to the gold medal at the inaugural Winter Games women’s ice hockey event in Nagano 1998. Becoming the first American women inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fast forward several years and a new a new face in American hockey is ready to emulate her successes. Kelsey DiClaudio may very well be destined to have the same impact as Granato, adding a new dimension to the women’s game. At the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games, women’s ice sledge hockey shall be a demonstration sport. With the US program having earned the gold medal at the inaugural IPC World Sled Hockey Challenge in 2014, it creates a strong sense of momentum that a golden finish is possible in 2018. Taking into a