Stride with us for championing women and girls in sport and recreation! By amplifying the voices of past, present and future game changers in our communities we can inspire others and make an impact! Learn more about our GAME CHANGERS campaign.
You’ve watched Lindsay grow and play throughout the years. What have you enjoyed the most about being a hockey dad?
The most enjoyable part of being a hockey dad is being able to watch my daughter excel at the game I love. Every year, she keeps getting better and better.
How has sport and recreation been important in your life?
Sports and recreation has been a part of my entire life. It has kept me fit and healthy (touch wood) and I am still involved in many sports and recreational activities to this day. My family and I have made lifetime friends and relationships. It was very important to me for my children to experience this way of life. It has helped to mold them into well rounded young adults. You can’t put a price tag on this
Can you offer any advice as a hockey parent for encouraging girls to stay involved in the sport?
There are numerous proud moments including being selected to the East Coast Selects, winning the Bell Capital Cup, being selected to play junior hockey at 14, playing for both team Ontario and team Canada U18, gaining a scholarship to Syracuse University but nothing makes my family and I prouder than how she battled through the adversity of almost losing the sport she loved. She suffered life threatening blood clots in her lungs just prior to her first year at Syracuse. She was told she was never going to play hockey again. After the initial shock she decided that she was more than just a hockey player, she was an athlete! That brought her to the Row to the Podium program where she embraced the new sport with Rowing Canada. Almost a year to the day she was given a clean bill of health and could return to her first love, hockey. She went on to play for 4 more years, was the Captain for 3 years, won a CHA cup while completing a Masters degree. I am fortunate enough to still be able to watch her play with the Toronto Six where she scored the first goal in franchise history and is now being able a part of history where women can earn a living playing professional hockey and inspiring young women around the world.
We know how proud you are of your daughter. Is there a particular moment that stands out for you?
I never thought I would see my daughter play hockey again after the blood clots. I tell everyone I know, not to miss any of their kid’s sports or activities as you never know when it could end. Every game after that was a bonus!