Born: 1967 (Lurgan, County Armagh, Northern Ireland)
Biography:
Geraldine Heaney, born on October 1, 1967, in Lurgan, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, is an Irish-Canadian ice hockey coach and former defenceman who made significant contributions to the sport. Her parents, Mike and Kathleen Heaney, emigrated to Canada when Geraldine was one year old, but she retained pride in her Irish birth and often returned to Ulster. Growing up in North York, Ontario, she developed a passion for hockey and displayed remarkable athletic talent.
Heaney’s playing career began at the age of 10 when she joined a girls’ hockey team, competing against girls up to six years older than her. In 1980, at the age of 13, she joined the Toronto Aeros, marking the start of a remarkable journey with the organization. Throughout her 18 seasons with the Aeros, Heaney played over 1,000 games at the senior level and later the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL). Her outstanding skills and dedication contributed to the team winning six Ontario provincial championships.
Heaney’s exceptional talent as a defenceman did not go unnoticed. She was named the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association’s most valuable defenceman three times: in 1987–88, 1991–92, and 1992–93. Her offensive prowess, in particular, drew comparisons to NHL star Bobby Orr. Notably, Heaney flew through the air after scoring the gold medal-winning goal in the inaugural Women’s World Championship, further solidifying her status as a pioneer in women’s hockey.
Internationally, Heaney represented Canada in the first seven Women’s World Championships, earning gold medals on each occasion. She also competed in the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics, winning silver and gold medals, respectively. Heaney’s achievements on the international stage showcased her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.
Heaney’s contributions to the growth and development of women’s hockey cannot be overstated. Her offensive prowess as a defenceman, combined with her pioneering spirit, served as an inspiration for generations of young female hockey players. Heaney’s influence on society extends beyond her on-ice accomplishments, as she demonstrated that women can excel in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
In recognition of her remarkable career, Heaney received numerous accolades. In 2008, she became one of the first three female inductees, along with Angela James and Cammi Granato, into the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Hall of Fame. She was also the third woman, after James and Granato, to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. In 2014, Heaney’s achievements earned her a well-deserved induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.
Continuing her involvement in the world of hockey, Heaney transitioned into coaching. On June 14, 2022, she became the head coach of the Toronto Six of the Premier Hockey Federation, perpetuating her influence on the sport and guiding the next generation of players.
Geraldine Heaney’s legacy in women’s hockey is one of perseverance, skill, and dedication. She blazed a trail for female athletes in a historically male-dominated sport and played a pivotal role in the growth and development of women’s hockey. Heaney’s remarkable career and numerous accolades solidify her status as an influential figure in both women’s history and the world of ice hockey.
Awards:
– Inductee of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Hall of Fame (2008)
– Inductee of the Hockey Hall of Fame
– Inductee of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (2014)