On and Off the Ice:
Over the years, I had the opportunity to participate in many wonderful events both locally and abroad. One of my favourite events was HOCKtoberfest, which the community commonly referred to as “HFEST”.
My participation on the board came through the 4th, 5th, and 6th instalments between 2010-2013 respectively. What I enjoyed most about this tournament was the dedicated group of board members and volunteers that were committed to providing the best on and off-ice experience for Girls’ hockey in the nation, the purity of the competition and most importantly advancing opportunities for Women and Sport; an underrepresented community (to this day) where advocates (like HFEST through to Leadership Advancement for Woman and Sport “LAWS”) including myself continue to promote and diversify opportunities for in the classroom or in the community.
“We’re Glad You’re Here!” – Catherine Murphy, director – media and public relations, HFEST.
About HFEST:
HOCKtoberfest is an international female hockey festival that welcomes 80 teams outside of Windsor-Essex (of its 86 team draw). Since it’s inception in 2008, the tournament is held annually at 5 arenas across Windsor-Essex where 11 rinks were utilized.
In 2012, the board of directors committed to running an internal study on the tournament for the first time since it’s inception by utilizing the Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM) program to determine expenditures into the region. Benefits of STEAM include identification of economic impact on the immediate community, which supports and attracts future funding while negotiating with all layers of government; providing fact-based research to current and prospective corporate entities while enhancing marketing and communications for future programs belonging to the tournament.
According to Jeremy Renaud, director, volunteer support services “economic activity created by the event delivered $1,484,800 into the region with a GDP of $118,310 where 2.6 jobs were created and a total of 129 volunteers were utilized.”
“It’s exciting to see how our tournament goes above and beyond annually to not only to develop the sport of hockey and advance women in leadership roles but by benefitting the local community and it’s businesses while creating jobs and developing volunteers, ” said Janice Dobson, director of finance (later Chairperson).
Great memories. Great people. Great Hockey.
“As one of the region’s leading male community sport leaders (who has fostered change, growth and policy development) and as a Trustee within the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, I look forward to advancing opportunities for girls in sport, which will enable opportunities for their success in the long-term.” – JR