Since the 1990 induction of Women’s Hockey to the Olympic Medal Sports, The Game‘s enrollment for girls and women has exploded in Canada. Even the smallest and most remote areas of the country are churning out high calibre talent on a yearly basis.
Now twenty two years later I find myself among 700 screaming hockey fans in a small University rink in London, Ontario. It seems a rather remarkable crowd for a preseason “friendly” fixture featuring the Western Mustangs and the Defending CIS champion University of Calgary Dinos. Among the fans that day were girls and women of various ages, wearing the crests and logos of their local hockey associations. Ingersoll, Woodstock, London, Lucan, Bluewater, Oakville and Kitchener uniforms were scattered all over the arena.
Somehow with all the rival teams in the crowd and all the ‘less than friendly’ action on the ice, the end of the game marked an impressive shift in competitive sporting culture. No lines were drawn, no sides were chosen, but rather the room was welcoming, light and embracing. It was an appreciation not only for the sport but moreover for Girls and Women who play it. Women’s hockey seems to be more than a movement, it is a lifestyle with room for anyone willing to pick up a stick and compete, no questions asked.
Immediately following the final buzzer, the two teams, who just spent sixty minutes crashing, banging, bumping and obviously bruising each other, came together for handshakes and photos together on the ice. At the very center of this photo stood the very Heartbeat of Women’s Hockey in Canada, four time Winter Olympic Medalist Hayley Wickenheiser. An obvious stand out on the ice and a remarkable Role Model off of it, Hayley’s list of accomplishments was not lost on the hundreds lined up for a chance to meet her. Men, Women, Boys and Girls she stayed and she greeted everyone that came by.
More than that, Hayley took extra time to acknowledge a special fan and contest finalist who had come with her best friend just to meet her. The two eight year old Kitchener Lady Ranger players were invited behind the table with Hayley as she signed autographs for the crowd, after that the two special admirers were also included in a photo with the opposing Western Mustangs as they requested one with Hayley.
To add to the delight of the fans of the Women’s Canadian National Team, the Head Coach of the Dino’s Danielle Goyette who herself is a three time Olympian made an appearance to remind Hayley of an early flight back to Calgary. Coach Goyette also made herself available for photos and conversation surrounding her storied career with the Canadian National’s past, present and future.
There is no doubt that this day is a highlight in the lives of so many, and that as these Athletes and Legends continue on with such a wonderful game, that they will continue to inspire so many young women in the pursuit of personal success and fulfillment. Hayley Wickenheiser continues to grow personally and professionally at an astounding rate and has so for earned the titles of Member of the Order of Canada, Champion, Olympian, Leader, Teammate, Student, Entrepreneur, Spokesperson, Daughter, Sister, Wife, and Mother to name a few.
And as the years will pass, the Legend will grow and so too will the memory and pride that each of the young women in attendance receive on that day and every other day like it, as they begin to shape their own paths throughout life. True Role Models are not always easy to find, but when you identify one, hold them in your heart and in your actions as we can all work to take the Women’s Game and continue to grow it locally, Nationally and more important and empowering, Globally. Thank you Hayley and Coach Goyette, you have truly captured the spirit and the imagination of Girls all over the world.
