In a significant development for women’s hockey, Gina Kingsbury, the Vice-President of Hockey Operations for Hockey Canada, is set to take on a new role as the first General Manager of the Toronto franchise in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). This transition marks an exciting chapter in Kingsbury’s career and signifies her deep commitment to advancing women’s hockey.
Katherine Henderson, the incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Hockey Canada, praised Gina Kingsbury’s contributions to the sport, saying, “Gina’s contributions to Hockey Canada have helped create lifelong memories for millions of Canadian hockey fans, and we join them in congratulating her on today’s announcement. We are excited to work with Gina and the PWHL to support the upward trajectory of women’s hockey and ensure it continues to grow and inspire the next generation of participants and fans.”
Kingsbury’s journey to this pivotal role has been a remarkable one. After a distinguished 10-year playing career, she joined Hockey Canada in June 2016 as the Director of Hockey Operations. On July 10, 2018, she officially took the reins of Canada’s National Women’s Program, making history as the first woman to hold the title while overseeing both men’s, women’s, and para programs. Her dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on women’s hockey.
Reflecting on her time with Hockey Canada, Kingsbury expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am extremely grateful for all my experiences and time with Hockey Canada. Over the years, I have met the most incredible people through this great game and organization. I want to thank Hockey Canada for allowing me to represent my country as an athlete, vice president, and general manager. It has been an honor and a privilege that I will be forever grateful for.”
During her tenure, Kingsbury played a vital role in Canada’s National Women’s Team’s success, helping them secure back-to-back gold medals at the 2021 and 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championships. Additionally, she contributed to four silver medals (2016, 2017, 2018, 2023) and one bronze (2019) at Women’s Worlds. Her accomplishments also extend to the Olympic stage, where she won silver and gold at the 2018 and 2022 Olympic Winter Games. Her impact reverberated through Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team, clinching three gold medals (2019, 2022, 2023) at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship and four silver (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020). Kingsbury’s passion for the sport was evident as she served as an assistant coach at the 2016 U18 Women’s Worlds, winning a silver medal.
Kingsbury achieved remarkable success as a player, winning back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2006 and 2010 and collecting multiple gold and silver medals at the IIHF World Women’s Championship. She tallied 86 points over 137 career games with Team Canada, firmly establishing her as a standout performer in women’s hockey.
While Kingsbury’s departure from Hockey Canada marks a significant change, her contributions to the organization over nearly two decades will leave a lasting legacy. Pat McLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer at Hockey Canada, acknowledged Kingsbury’s impact, saying, “Gina has made a tremendous impact on Hockey Canada, the National Women’s Program, and the game across the globe. While it is difficult to lose someone who has done so much to make our organization successful, we thank Gina for her dedication for the better part of 17 years.”
Moving forward, the day-to-day operations of the National Women’s Program will be overseen by Scott Salmond, Senior Vice-President of Hockey Operations, and members of the organization’s hockey operations department. As Gina Kingsbury embarks on this exciting new chapter with the PWHL, the world of women’s hockey eagerly anticipates the positive impact she will continue to make as General Manager of the Toronto franchise.
