fbpx

Geraldine Heaney

Geraldine Heaney is a former standout hockey defenceman. Heaney played 18 seasons and over 1,000 games with the Toronto Aeros organization, won six Ontario provincial championships, and was named Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) most valuable defenceman on three occasions. The Aeros retired her jersey number 91 in 2006. Internationally, Heaney was a member of the Canadian national team in the first seven Women’s World Championships, winning gold each time. She is a two-time Olympian, winning silver at the inaugural tournament in 1998 tournament and gold in 2002. A pioneer of women’s hockey, Heaney is credited with aiding the growth of the sport. Her offensive prowess as a defenceman earned her comparisons to National Hockey League star Bobby Orr, particularly after she flew through the air after scoring the gold medal-winning goal in the inaugural world championship. After her playing career, Heaney has been a head coach at both the university and professional level. Photo courtesy XCom.