Three-time Olympic medalist bolsters leadership group of Canadian women’s hockey legends
TORONTO – The Toronto Six Hockey Club of the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced the appointment of Sami Jo Small to the role of President. The three-time Olympic medalist is the third Canadian women’s hockey legend named to the organization’s leadership group this offseason, joining general manager Angela James and head coach Geraldine Heaney who are both members of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Small will oversee the team’s business and hockey operations and brings experience that will be instrumental in strengthening partnerships and community presence as the Six begin their third PHF season in 2022-23.
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“I am excited to be joining what is already a strong organization,” said Small. “I will use the next couple of weeks as a chance to learn more about the team members, the staff and the league as a whole to see how I can contribute in a meaningful way and help to continue to foster an environment of inclusiveness, empowerment, and excellence.
“I will continue to build relationships within the GTA and hockey as a whole. I want to help promote and market the Toronto Six to fans, young and old alike, across the GTA and around the globe.”
- Sami Jo Small, Toronto 6ix President
Small proudly served as a member of Canada’s National Women’s Hockey Team at the 1998 Olympic
Winter Games where she earned a silver medal, then won two Olympic gold medals in 2002 and 2006.
She is also a five-time IIHF World Champion, backstopping her country to gold at the 1999, 2000, 2001,
2004, and 2007 tournaments that included back-to-back Top Goaltender honors in 99-00. The Winnipeg,
Manitoba native played 19 years of professional hockey winning National Championships in 2003 and
2004 with the Toronto Aeros, a 2008 title with the Mississauga Chiefs, and a 2014 Clarkson Cup with the
Toronto Furies. The CWHL co-founder also served as general manager of the Furies following the
completion of her playing career. Small has been speaking professionally for more than 20 years and
authored the book titled ‘The Role I Played: Canada’s Greatest Olympic Hockey Team’.
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In January, Small served as an honorary coach at the 2022 PHF All-Star Showcase with Team Dempsey; a
group that claimed victory with current T6 stars Taylor Woods and Elaine Chuli who was named All-Star
MVP. Chuli is also among a group of T6 players who played for Small as members of the Furies during
the 2018-19 CWHL season including Shiann Darkangelo, Emma Greco, and Brittany Howard. Michela
Cava was teammates with Small on the Furies in 2016-17.
“First and foremost we’d like to welcome Sami Jo to the Toronto Six organization. Our group is super excited for the knowledge and experience she will bring to our team,” said Chuli, the 2022 PHF Goaltender of the Year. “Personally I’ve gotten to know Sami Jo over the years and it has been a privilege to build a friendship with such an accomplished individual. I’ve been hoping from afar that she would get involved with our club and am thrilled to have her in our corner as we enter the 2022-23 season. The passion she brings to this game is unmatched, and I can’t wait to see the mark she will leave on the Toronto Six and the PHF as she continues to write her legacy.”
Leadership from Small supports Toronto’s ownership group which includes the first BIPOC and Canadian
investors in PHF history. The group holds minority ownership of the Six with BTM Partners LLC. Between announcement of the sale in March and closing this month, BTM and the new owners agreed that BTM would retain majority control and continue to operate the team during this exciting period of growth and investment. BTM has named Bryant McBride its governor and representative on the PHF Board.
“Sami Jo has unrivalled experience on and off the ice, with the character and leadership qualities we value and that will truly benefit the Toronto Six in all facets of our organization,” said McBride. “On behalf of the entire T6 ownership group, we look forward to working with Sami Jo throughout this exciting time of growth and inclusion to fulfill our mutual commitment of making a generational impact in hockey and in our community.”
Training camp is now underway for the Six with practices at their home facility, Canlan Ice Sports York. As part of team building activities, the club will be in attendance at the Toronto Blue Jays game on Wednesday, September 28 to throw out the first pitch.
The Six host the first game of the 2022-23 PHF season on Saturday, November 5 at 2:00 p.m. ET against the Minnesota Whitecaps, with a second matchup between the clubs slated for Sunday, November 6 at 11:00 a.m. ET as part of Opening Weekend celebrations. The eighth season in PHF history features a record 84 games with all seven member teams playing 24 contests each including 12 on home ice. Click here for the full schedule listing and to purchase tickets.
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