Hazel McCallion to be honoured by OWHA at Canada Winter Games and OWHA Provincials
MISSISSAUGA, Feb 14, 2023 - Hazel McCallion was a valued contributor to the OWHA and women’s hockey for over 40 years. She was a pioneer of women’s hockey, as a speedy center, playing professionally in the 1940’s for the Montreal Kik Cola.
When she moved to Toronto, Hazel was unable to locate a women’s team to join but she did retain her love of the sport and was a loyal Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan. She met OWHA president, Fran Rider, in the 1970’s and they became close friends who shared the goal of growing the credibility and numbers in the game.
Hazel happily agreed to join the OWHA Board of Regents and served as the Honourary Chair of the First Women’s World Tournament in 1987. The event was an overwhelming success and was the catalyst for the creation of fully approved IIHF World Championships commencing in 1990 and acceptance as an Olympic sport in Nagano, Japan in 1998. In 1987 the OWHA donated the McCallion World Cup that is housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame and shows the world champions.
One of Hazel’s happiest moments came when the 2002 IIHF Women’s World Hockey Championship was awarded to Mississauga and played at the brand-new Hershey Centre (now Paramount Fine Foods). Canada faced off against archrival Team USA in a sold-out gold medal final. Going into the third period, Canada was down 2-0 but tied it up and won in overtime. No one was happier than Hazel with a gold medal win by her team, in her building, in her city. Thanks to Team Canada, Hazel had her hat trick.
Hazel’s life can only be described by one word - Golden. In the upcoming 2023 Canada Winter Games, Team Ontario will be honoring her memory by having her name written in gold on the left side of the chest, closest to the heart. It will appear in italics for emphasis and action. In the 2023 OWHA Provincial Championships, she will also be paid tribute by having her name written in gold on the hats that each participant will receive.
Hazel will be remembered as an incredible leader who devoted her life to community and service. She had a commitment to caring for the individuals of the community while championing the City of Mississauga as Mayor for over 36 years. Although she retired as Mayor, she continued to be a tireless worker who continued to have a commitment and vision to support people. Her contributions left a powerful impact, not just in Mississauga, but in Ontario, Canada and internationally. She was a trailblazer for women in every aspect of life and left a legacy for people everywhere. We sincerely thank her for her contributions.