The OHL Celebrates International Women’s Day
March 8, 2023, is International Women’s Day, a global day in which the world celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the world. The Ontario Hockey League is proud to highlight women’s contributions from across the league for their dedication, leadership and achievements made on and off the ice. In recent years we’ve seen more and more women in important roles across the OHL, including those in hockey operations, business operations, and other areas of our hockey community.
We’ve asked each of our member teams to spotlight a woman from their organization, showcasing their professional career and the importance of celebrating women not only today, but everyday.
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
Kathy McLlwain
High Performance Skating Development Coach | Windsor Spitfires
What is your role in the OHL?
KM: I’ve been an NCCP Certified Professional Figure and Power Skating Coach for 30 years instructing and developing both amateur and professional athletes. I provide fundamental skating skills for the players to achieve optimum performance. Building confidence and trusting their skating will take their game to the next level. Factors including speed, strength, power, transitions, agility and acceleration. My role also includes evaluation and scouting of potential future prospects.
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Spitfires organization?
KM: Being part of an inclusive team environment wherein the coaching staff values my expertise and my role as skating coach. Windsor believes in skating development and in today’s game, the fundamentals of skating has become extremely important. It takes a team of great coaches to create a good player and I’m happy to be part of this with Windsor.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
KM: I Competed and trained with SkateCanada as an amateur before turning professional and touring with the Ice Capades. Being Head Coach of the Finnish National Synchronized Skating Team at World Cup in Boston. Providing skating instruction of all levels of hockey from minor to NHL including the privilege of working with elite athletes Bo Horvat, Boone Jenner, Natalie Spooner, Corey Perry, Ryan O’Reilly, Ella Shelton, Jared McCann and members of the U18 Women’s Team Canada.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
KM: Be professional. Being certified made a difference for me. Be a good role model—Arrive on time. Be prepared. Give 100%. Create a healthy, safe and positive environment both on and off the ice for the athletes to learn. Care, and realize the impact your actions have, make a difference.
What is the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day across the Ontario Hockey League not only today, but everyday?
KM: The League is embracing and welcoming women in different capacities for greater opportunities. Inspiring women in sport and life has the power to unite and uplift to make a difference.
Riley Fox
Manager, Digital Media and Creative Content | Flint Firebirds
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Firebirds organization?
RF: I always tell people that the OHL is about dreams, and not just for the players but the staff too. My favorite part about being a member of the Firebirds is seeing people’s dreams come true, and also having the ability to learn almost anything when it comes to the sports industry. We are a small organization so there are tons of opportunities for growth and learning. I also enjoy getting to see our players grow on and off the ice, being able to be a part of their journeys to the NHL is something so special.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
RF: I started off as an intern so I have seen this organization through a variety of different roles. I think that making the jump from intern to full-time staff was a great accomplishment for me. Additionally, I planned the Firebird’s first-ever Women and Girls in Sports night. We worked with Carley Johnston of the Detroit Red Wings and had over 200 people show up to watch a pregame panel.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
RF: I think the best advice I can give is to never stop learning. You can never stop getting better at what you do, as evolving with the sports industry is so important. Never give up no matter how hard it is. If you want something and you work hard enough, you’ll get it.
Larissa Blue
Administrator | Owen Sound Attack
What sparked your interest in working in the sports industry?
LB: My family were long time season ticket holders of the Owen Sound Platers and after working as a game night volunteer in high school, I found I really enjoyed blending my interest in working in administration with sports, so much that I studied Sports Administration at college.
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Attack organization?
LB: My favourite part as a member of the Attack is we are a small office so its more like a family, we help each other out.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
LB: Work hard and you can do what ever you put your mind to.
What is the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day across the Ontario Hockey League not only today, but everyday?
LB: We are seeing such amazing strides for opportunity in sports, especially this season with now having multiple women working as part of the officiating crew in the OHL.
Jennifer Love
Head Athletic Therapist | Sarnia Sting
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Sting organization?
JL: Getting to assist the athletes in returning to the game they love after injury, and the excellent core values the Sting organization holds.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
JL: My proudest professional achievement is being one of the few women to become a Head Athletic Therapist in the OHL. I am proud of this because this will continue to help me move forward to becoming one of the first Head ATs in the NHL so I can continue to motivate young girls to see themselves represented in the NHL.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
JL: You are just as capable at building a career in sports as males are. Be the strong confident women you are and do not take no for an answer or lower your standards for anyone.
What is the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day across the Ontario Hockey League not only today, but everyday?
JL: The importance of celebrating International Women’s Day across the OHL is to continue to empower this generation of young girls to pursue a career in the sporting industry if they want to by being able see many different women holding position in that environment.
Alexandra Witherspoon
Manager, Digital Marketing | Kitchener Rangers
What is your role in the OHL?
AW: I am the Digital Marketing Manager for the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club. I am in charge of planning, implementing, and monitoring the Rangers marketing campaigns across all digital networks as well as manage the Rangers brand. I also develop content, provide graphic design materials for print and digital projects, and oversee social media management.
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Rangers organization?
AW: My favourite part of our organization is our connection to our community. I’m proud of the work our players and staff do to give back to the Kitchener-Waterloo area, especially with the amazing support they give us. I also love how tight-knit our staff is – everyone is willing to lend a hand in any situation and bring new ideas to the table.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
AW: I am proud of our “Rock The Aud” playoff campaign and how we managed to cascade the theme throughout departments to really ensure fan experience. From the creation of “band” playoff T-shirts in Rangers Authentics, to the selection of rock music in-game, having staff and volunteers and players dress up to fit the theme, getting fans involved in rock themed contesting.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
AW: Most importantly believe in yourself and what you can achieve and keep an open mind to different avenues, degrees and connections. Nothing is impossible if you work hard for it and you can always learn something from mistakes. Also surround yourself with other people who have positive mindsets and learn as much as you can about the sport and field that you are interested in, whether that is podcasts, mentorship programs, books, in-person conferences etc.
What is the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day across the Ontario Hockey League not only today, but everyday?
AW: I think its so important for young women to see women in all aspects of the game and various positions throughout the league. If you can see it you can be it – and it’s amazing to see so many amazing women in our league who are leading the way and changing our sport for the better.
Darcie Chabola
Manager, Merchandise and Senior Retention/Billet Coordinator | Erie Otters
What sparked your interest in working in the sports industry?
DC: I had Erie Otters season tickets throughout high school, the games always gave me something to look forward to at the end of the week. I enjoyed the atmosphere so much as a fan I wanted to help bring that same kind of joy and excitement to other fans!
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Otters organization?
DC: I take SO much pride in my job. The notoriety of working for such an incredible organization that has so much talent pass through is a big plus, however my favorite part is getting to interact with our fans and build relationships from season to season.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
DC: I am most proud of our new team store that I built from the ground up. It is a huge upgrade from the temporary “pop-up” shops we had in the concourse level in years past and the growth in sales has been exponential.
What is the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day across the OHL not only today, but everyday?
DC: It is important to celebrate International Women’s Day to show other young girls and women that, even though sports are a male dominated industry, there is still a place for women; we are here and we are thriving!
Cindy Mitro
Director, Ticketing | London Knights
What sparked your interest in working in the sports industry?
CM: I became interested in working in sports as I grew up in a sports centred family have a brother who played competitive minor hockey and minor baseball when we were growing up. I assisted my high school football and rugby teams being team manager and trainer, and the involvement in football continued through university in an administrative and support role.
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Knights organization?
CM: My favourite part of working with the London Knights Hockey Club, is that I was able to remain and work for my home town team! It is so great to be part of the community I grew up in and help create the experiences I remember.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
CM: My advice to the younger generation is to find and follow your passion! Reach out to your local team and try to assist them with anything they may need assistance with. If you try a few things, you may find your perfect fit! Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and take advantage of opportunities presented to you!
Lindsay Newby
Manager, Communications | Guelph Storm
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Storm organization?
LN: I’ve always said, if you don’t work in sports, you can’t possibly understand what it’s like. You give up a lot of your weekends, miss holidays, kids’ activities, family gatherings. We work, when the rest of the world is off so the hours can be long. It’s a lot of fun, but at the same time, it can also be very difficult too. I wouldn’t still be here if it weren’t for my co-workers. Most of them have been with me for all 16 years of my career and they are hands down my favourite part of being in Guelph. I’ve spent almost every Friday night with them for the past 16 years, we’ve won two Championships together, been part of the best team in Storm history and the worst team in Storm history. They know me better than a lot of people and those relationships run deep. I consider each and every one of them my family.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
LN: When I was hired way back in 2008, I was the only female throughout the league in a full-time media role. A little intimidating as a 25-year-old fresh out of school, but it helped shape the person and professional that I am today and will always be something I’m proud of. I am also very proud to work for an organization that now has had a predominantly female business staff since that time. In Guelph we’ve always had a higher women to men ratio working in our front office. The Storm organization is most certainly something I’m proud to be associated with and is definitely a place I’ve always felt supported to grow as a woman as well as a professional.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
LN: I know its cliché, but you’ve got to get comfortable with getting uncomfortable. If you want to grow, you’ve got to step outside of your comfort zone. Get involved, either as an intern through a school program or as a volunteer. You’ve got to do the work to get noticed. Never stop learning and build a solid skill set. Finally, believe in yourself. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it.
What is the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day across the Ontario Hockey League not only today, but everyday?
LN: I’m a mom of three daughters so celebrating International Women’s Day is very important to me. I show them the importance of being a strong woman not only in the hockey world, but in life too. I’ll be honest, it hasn’t always been easy, there have definitely been frustrations in my career and times where I’ve had to prove myself, but I never doubted me. Not once and I hope my girls pick up on that. By highlighting this day, learning about the stories and achievements of all sorts of amazing women, my girls as well as little girls everywhere, will see that being a strong woman is something to be celebrated.
Tracey Herriman
Manager, Finance and Administration | Soo Greyhounds
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Greyhounds organization?
TH: I can honestly say I truly enjoy going to work every day. No day is the same as we are constantly faced with challenges along with the rewards of seeing the results of our hard work day in and day out.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
TH: I am most proud of the fact that I have always continued to take on more responsibilities and learn which allows me to not only to grow as a person, but to better our organization and workplace.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
TH: My biggest piece of advice is to forget the fact that you are a woman! You are a valuable employee regardless of your sex. I am the only fulltime female in our organization and I honestly forget that is even a fact until someone brings it up.
Lindsay McDougal
Vice President, Business Management | Saginaw Spirit
What sparked your interest in working in the sports industry?
LM: My father played in the NHL in the 1970’s, so I’ve always had a love for the game of hockey.
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Spirit organization?
LM: All of the cause marketing events that we hold to raise awareness and funds for local non-profits in the region. Plus, the great relationships that I’ve established with our fans over the years.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
LM: Being a part of the first ever OHL Outdoor Doubleheader game at Comerica Park in Detroit in December 2013. This event was a lot of work, but it was a great experience.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
LM: Be prepared for long hours and hard work, but the end result of full buildings and smiles on fans’ faces is makes it all worth it.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
Samantha Fleming
Coordinator, Social Media and Community Relations | Mississauga Steelheads
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Steelheads organization?
SF: I really love the strong connections I get to make with all of the members of our organization, from the other women in our front office, to the players and hockey ops staff. For me, it’s especially exciting to be a part of our players’ journey to success. While it can be tough to see the players move on, it means a lot to me that I can make an impact in their junior career and watch them do great things.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
SF: I am most proud of the Pink at the Rink jerseys that I got to design this past season with my colleague Cassandra. Pink at the Rink was the first Steelheads game I had attended several years ago, and so getting the opportunity to design this jersey all these years later was a true full-circle moment for me. It meant even more that the jerseys were auctioned off to raise money for such an important cause.
What is the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day across the OHL not only today, but everyday?
SF: By getting to work with young hockey players, we have the opportunity to be a positive influence and demonstrate that women have just as much of a role to play. The lessons these players learn in junior will be taken with them throughout their careers, and having more women league-wide and celebrating their accomplishments can demonstrate to the next generation the importance of having female representation in sports.
Morgan Blaind
Coordinator, Marketing & Community Engagement | Peterborough Petes
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Petes organization?
MB: I have the opportunity to build great relationships with different people inside our organization and within the community. That is my favourite part because I’m able to allow our players to utilize our content through social media and game nights, but also allow our community an inside look into who our players are on and off the ice, and continue to build our franchise’s history.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
MB: Earlier this season we hosted our Diabetes Game Night for our goalie, Michael Simpson. I worked closely with him, Tandem Diabetes Care, and Diabetes Canada to create a game night that would help raise money and awareness for diabetes in the Peterborough area. Being able to see our vision come to life and be able to surpass our fundraising goal is something I’m extremely proud of.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
MB: Never give up on your dream. There are going to be a lot of people who will try to stop you or try to tear you down. If you’re in a supportive environment, people are going to support you and help you grow.
What is the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day across the Ontario Hockey League not only today, but everyday?
MB: Having support through our organizations and the League as a whole is extremely important in order to give women have the ability to grow and also create equity so that everyone has the same opportunities.
Heidi Wilson
Manager, Corporate Partnerships and Groups | Barrie Colts
What sparked your interest in working in the sports industry?
HW: I’ve spent many hours in the arena with my sons. I have a sales background, I know this community extremely well and the Colts arena feels like home.
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Colts organization?
HW: This organization is family orientated. We all pitch in to help each other. The owners are kind and approachable but also have a level of trust as sales people spend a lot of time building relationships outside of the arena. If I need anything, they are always there for me.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
HW: I would suggest applying to internships. Do that in a few different roles to see what position you love because at the end of the day if you love your job it won’t feel like work.
Nicole Kemp
Assistant Vice President, Business Operations | Kingston Frontenacs
What sparked your interest in working in the sports industry?
NK: My husband and I have been billets for over nine years and when this opportunity was offered to me, I was excited to see how the other side of the business works. The challenge of trying to apply my hospitality knowledge to this industry was intriguing and to start a new position that I could truly embrace and recreate the role.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
NK: My biggest achievement is the team we have built, they are all hard working, professional, respectful, and dedicated individuals that make us successful. My other achievement since I have been with the team is our current bid for the 2024 Memorial Cup. The hours of hard work that went into creating our bid took a team of individuals that are in complete support of us hosting the event. If we are the successful city this will be the pillar of my career.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
NK: I would highly recommend that you explore a variety of positions within the sports world, there are so many great opportunities on all levels. Take the opportunity to learn from the ground up, it makes you a much more valuable, empathic, and well-rounded professional at all levels of employment. This also provides you with a level of confidence in any position that you take on.
What is the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day across the Ontario Hockey League not only today, but everyday?
NK: Celebrating women everyday is an important message for all young women to have the confidence to take risks, educate themselves, and to find that great mentor that will support them through their careers. Women have the right to follow their dreams and make their choices in their lives and careers.
Alexandria Cotterill
Coordinator, Multimedia Design | Oshawa Generals
What sparked your interest in working in the sports industry?
AC: My interest in working in the sports industry started only a couple of years back. Initially as a designer, I wasn’t sure what specific field to go into. I used to attend Oshawa Generals’ games back in high school and when I heard of an internship opportunity last year, I just knew I had to apply. It was the best decision as I fell in love with sports design and landed my current position after my internship.
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Generals organization?
AC: My favourite part about being a member with the Oshawa Generals is that I am apart of an organization that supports movements involving inclusion without any shame. I am very humbled to see an organization be unapologetic about their beliefs.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
AC: The professional achievement I am most proud of is designing the first ever Oshawa Generals Pride Jersey. It was truly amazing watching our team wear those jerseys on the ice to help support and promote equity and inclusion within sports. I felt honoured to have been able to be apart of that night and to create an impact like we did as an organization.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
AC: The advice I would give to the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports is to never let anyone undermine your ability. If someone does undermine your talent, then it’s up to you to prove them wrong. It is easy to be intimidated sometimes, but never let yourself be small, be big and show them up!
Miranda Swain-Boivin
Manager, Marketing | Sudbury Wolves
What sparked your interest in working in the sports industry?
MSB: When I was in grade 8, I attended my first hockey game and became curious about everything that went on behind the scenes at the games for the fan enjoyment. I love the excitement of the game, and what the teams mean to the community. Seeing the community gather and rally behind the team is very special and I love being able to have a part in that.
What is your favourite part about being a member of the Wolves organization?
MSB: My favourite parts about being a member of the Sudbury Wolves is the fans, the staff I have been surrounded with over the past 12 years and being able to give back to the community in different ways. Seeing the smiles that we can bring to kids faces by bringing players to community events such as hockey practices, and school and hospital visits is very rewarding. I also like that every day is something different.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
MSB: The advice I would have for the younger generation of women looking to build a career in sports are to work hard and show them what you have got. When I started with the Wolves, there were two women in the organization, including myself. We have now grown to five. Networking is also key and finding a good mentor who can help point you in the right direction or give you advice is also important.
Cori Burke
Manager, Corporate Strategy | Niagara IceDogs
What is your favourite part about being a member of the IceDogs organization?
CB: Working with so many incredible women who have been apart of the IceDogs organization over the years. As well as being an active member in the Niagara community representing the IceDogs.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
CB: Reaching 10 years of working at the IceDogs this year. Being apart of the excitement surrounding the 2012 And 2016 Eastern Conference Champions, 2012 and 2019 Central Division Champions.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
CB: Find ways to explore the sports industry and get involved. Internships, volunteering or interviewing someone at an organization is a great way to get your foot in the door and explore the different opportunities.
What is the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day across the Ontario Hockey League not only today, but everyday?
CB: To further the great strides made in growing the women’s game. It is so important to empower girls from a young age. The value of encouraging girls into sport from a young age can not be underestimated. As well as celebrate the women working within these organizations and showcase the incredible work done everyday.
Yolanda Haight
Senior Manager, Accounting | North Bay Battalion
What is your favorite part about being a member of the Battalion organization?
YH: Being a part of a team and contributing to its success. Our fans are loyal and deserve a great product when they come to the arena.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
YH: Earning a place as an equally important, respected and competent member in a work place and feeling that my opinion matters.
What advice do you have for the younger generation of women who are looking to build a career in sports?
YH: If it’s something that interests you, just go for it. Gender does not define the quality of work that goes into running a successful OHL club.
What is the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day across the Ontario Hockey League not only today, but every day?
YH: It’s an opportunity to celebrate women’s accomplishments in the sports industry and show women that this is a career option.
Head Athletic Therapist | Ottawa 67’s
What sparked your interest in working in the sports industry?
MPN: I loved sport growing up – I used to play basketball in high school and loved being part of a team; going into health and science in school, I thought working with athletes would be motivating and empowering.
What is your favourite part about being a member of the 67’s organization?
MPN: The Ottawa 67s is a big family, I am extremely lucky to work at the heart of our family and my favorite part is to be there everyday for our players – listening to their stories, supporting them when things are not going so great, helping them get better, celebrating the good things, watching them grow up and sharing so many memories.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
MPN: Being part of Hockey Canada U17 Men’s program since 2018 and participating to the Capital City Challenge and the World u17 Hockey Challenge in 2022 as the athletic therapist for team black.
What is the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day across the Ontario Hockey League not only today, but everyday?
MPN: It is important to acknowledge the number of women who worked and continue to work so hard to pursue careers in a men’s world – to showcase individuals who are great at their jobs and to help them progress to the next level.
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