With the help of Laura Fortino, the Canadian national team won gold and silver medals at the Olympics.
The Hamilton Bulldogs have hired Fortino, a longtime star with the Canadian national women’s team, the club’s president and general manager announced on Monday.
According to Steve Staios, Fortino, 31, will serve as the Bulldogs’ director of player development.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Laura to our Hamilton Bulldogs family,” Staios said, adding she “exudes the passion, character and leadership that we covet in Hamilton.”
Staios continued by saying they have seen firsthand her abilities to coach and advise players through our training and development camps over the years.
He added that her accomplishments and background speak for themselves. She has played a crucial role on numerous championship teams and will continue this success as a coach.
Cornell Big Red from 2009 to 2013
According to a release from the Bulldogs, Hamilton native Fortino has had a fantastic playing career that dates back to her time with the Stoney Creek Sabres and Burlington Barracudas.
In the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, Fortino first succeeded with the Brampton/Markham Thunder after being a top player for the Cornell Big Red from 2009 to 2013(CWHL). The Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association also was driven by her (PWHPA).
Coach Jay McKee of the Bulldogs remarked, “I’m thrilled to add Laura to our staff.”
He added that she has an infectious personality and a fantastic hockey resume, and he is thankful to have had the chance to work with her.
At the Olympics in 2014, Fortino helped Canada win the gold, and again in 2018. At the world championships, she also assisted Canada in winning multiple medals.
Fortino’s overtime pass to Marie-Philip Poulin was important in Canada’s victory in 2014.
After playing four years in the NCAA at Cornell in Ithaca, New York, Fortino was first selected by the Brampton Thunder in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League draft later that year.
Source: CBC News
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