Growing the Game: Hazel McCallion, Saroya Tinker and Oil Kings

Hazel McCallion was known as a politician but also as a fierce advocate and pioneer in women’s sports. Primarily, McCallion, who passed away this week at 101, loved hockey. She played hockey competitively in the 1930s and 1940s, and she was a driving force alongside Fran Rider to make the unofficial 1987 World Women’s Hockey Tournament a success. The tournament was a predecessor to the 1990 World Championships, the first IIHF-sanctioned event for women, and also for the 1998 Olympics.

In her honor, the 1987 world tournament championship trophy was called the Hazel McCallion Cup.

“Hazel played (professional) hockey back in the day and inspired many players like myself,” Hockey Hall of Fame member Hailey Wickenheiser said on Twitter following McCallion’s passing. “I have many fond memories with her over the years. Flying back from Olympic Games, Hazel was always one of the first waiting at YYZ to greet the team. She was a force, a true leader and a personal hero.”

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Cheryl Pounder echoed Wickenheiser’s thanks and praise for McCallion. 

“Thank you Hazel for providing a path to my dream. Your voice, courage and strength had a profound impact,” she tweeted.

Praise and adoration for 'Hurricane Hazel' came in from across the hockey world, with legends and media weighing in on her impact. 

Cassie Campbell-Pascall, another legendary Canadian hockey player, called McCallion, “A true gem of a person and leader who often put so many other people and causes before herself. She did so much for so many and her contribution to women’s hockey will never be duplicated.”

Hazel McCallion, the longtime mayor of Mississauga, will be remembered for the lasting impact she left on hockey and for her contributions to the growth of the game for women.

Toronto Six defender Saroya Tinker is set to host a new 12-part television series focusing on individuals and organizations working to change hockey culture. The show, which will premiere on TSN later this year, is called Breaking Down Barriers.

“Whether that’s talking about the women’s game, talking about disabled hockey and blind hockey, or talking about diversity and inclusion in the game, we’re looking to showcase individuals who are advancing hockey culture and changing the game,” Tinker said.

Tinker is currently the executive director of Black Girl Hockey Club Canada.

In recent weeks, hockey has grappled with the topic of pride nights, showing support for the LGBTQ+ community. While the stories of Philadelphia Flyers defender Ivan Provorov and the New York Rangers’ decisions not to wear pre-game Pride jerseys have been widely debated among media and fans, it’s often a discussion involving the LGBTQ+ community as a whole, which for years, was a population widely underrepresented in hockey.

This week, however, the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings host a pride night on Friday. Many of the players were teammates with Luke Prokop, the NHL’s first openly gay prospect, who was selected in the third round by the Nashville Predators in 2020. Prokop was traded to the Seattle Thunderbirds earlier this season.

"If Luke Prokop has taught me anything, it is that hockey really is for everyone. I am proud to be an ally to the LGBTQ2S+ community,” John Szabo, a former teammate of Prokop’s, was quoted as saying in an Oil Kings tweet.

"Friday night is for our organization and the hockey community to support and show appreciation for the LGBTQ2S+ people,” the Oil Kings quoted another former teammate, Kolby Hay, as saying.

For both players, their statements were accompanied by a video of them waving Pride flags.

The open statements of teammates toward Luke Prokop, and the imagery attached, are incredible examples of allyship and how organizations should strive to celebrate the ever-expanding diversity of the game.