Welcome Carolyn O’Leary, Women’s and Kids’ Editor

Today it is my pleasure to introduce Carolyn O’Leary who has taken on the Women’s and Kids’ sections as editor. Carolyn will add items to the daily news section when they are available, and will also write the occasional post as she finds interesting resources for these sections. I’m glad Carolyn has taken on these areas as I think they are really lacking on the site and I know we have quite a few female readers – and want more of course! As with all news stories, if you have any tips, suggestions or ideas feel free to send them on to [email protected].

Carolyn sent a few notes about her background:

 ” I grew up in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada and, at the time, girls did not play hockey because it was a “boy” sport.  A bunch of girls, including myself, pleaded for female hockey and we got it so, at age 15, I began playing competitive hockey.  I was a good skater and had played pond hockey so it wasn’t too much of an adjustment.  I played as a forward (was a center and team captain)  and, at age 19, decided to try the position of goalie.  I had attended yearly training camps and power skating clinics and was even named to the provincial team as a player but nothing compared to being a goalie and I have never looked back.  Once I became too old to play, because we only had under 21 hockey, I was asked to coach and was eventually asked to coach the provincial team at the Winter Games.  I declined this opportunity to focus on my university degree and then repeated knee injuries ended my hockey playing days, I feared, for good. 
I got married, moved to Ontario and started a family but I was badly missing hockey.  A local pick-up league was looking for a goaltender so I got some new equipment and made an appointment with a sports doctor to get my knee checked and, thankfully, was given the green light to play again.  Pick-up was great and got me back into the swing of things but I missed competition so I decided to get involved in Women’s Rec Hockey and I play in Division 2.  It is perfect for me at this point in my life and ther are some fantastic, skilled players that once played AAA and college hockey so it is not boring and is still competitive without too much pressure. 

Now I have the pleasure of watching my own child play hockey as a goalie with the same passion for the position that I have and it is a wonderful feeling, if somewhat nerve wracking. 
Anyway, that is it.  I know it is a lot more that a few lines but there is lots to tell and I only told you part of it:)  There is also information about how I passed myself off as a boy to attend hockey schools because girls were shunned…but that is another story.”