Tell us about yourself!

Growing up in a small town in Southern Ontario it was not unusual to be at the rink or playing street hockey with the neighbourhood, but it was for me!  Of course I went to the rink a few times to cheer on a local team or to skate with friends but I never played ice hockey.  I did get the opportunity, though to play street hockey with friends where we took refuge on the lawns when we heard the infamous warning, “car!!”

After following my career to the USA with my husband and starting a family, we ended up in St Louis, MO where my daughter decided she was a hockey player!  We got her into a summer learn to play through the Lady Cyclones, an all-girls club and haven’t looked back!  After watching how much fun the girls were having out on the ice, I decided to give it a go myself. I was introduced to an all-women’s hockey team called the Lyons and they welcomed all levels of players.  The environment was fun, supportive and totally focused on the love of the game!

What made you want to be a WHL Brand Ambassador?

I wanted to be a WHL Brand Ambassador because I believe in helping grow women’s hockey.  I am a player, a parent of a player,  a coach, and a fan.  I love all of these aspects of hockey and I want to share this passion with everyone.

What are you most looking forward to as a #WHLAMBASSADOR?

I am most looking forward to seeing everyone’s activities throughout the season.  As this sport grows and more opportunities are provided I think this method of communicating the activities will improve everyone’s understanding of what is possible, what is currently happening and how to get more involved.  I believe there are loads of girls who would love this sport who do not know that they can participate.  This is certainly changing as more communication and success of women’s hockey continues.

What’s something not a lot of people know about you?

I get a lot of personal satisfaction out of learning new skills or information.  I get audiobooks on random subjects that are based on scientific studies or historical fiction that allow me to gain a broader understanding of the world around me.

If you could sit down and have dinner with one female hockey player, who would it be and why?

Jinelle Siergiej.  She operates a hockey camp in Wisconsin for girls.  My daughter has been to this camp in 2017, 2018 and is going again this summer. Jinelle is a wonderful person who pushes these girls on and off the ice while keeping them motivated.  I respect her expertise and her approach. I am fortunate to get to speak with her at camp but an opportunity to sit and chat over dinner would be both enjoyable and informative!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given in hockey or in life?

“If you’re not falling, you’re not trying.”

This may seem extremely plain but it helps push me out of my comfort zone on and off the ice.

What’s your dream for women’s hockey?

I would love to see every town in North America that has a boys program also have an all-girls program. I dream of the day that there are so many girls playing hockey that you are slotted into clubs based on your zip code!  I dream of the day that when you say you play hockey you don’t have to clarify that it is ice hockey!

Interested in becoming a #WHLAmbassador?

Apply here!