I grew up playing hockey in the Ottawa area. I have learned, and continue to learn, valuable life skills while playing hockey, from my teammates and from my coaches – commitment, dedication, team work, time management, how to overcome adversity, how to be a leader, and the joy of play. I was fortunate to have been led by two female coaches and role models in my last few years of minor hockey, both of whom had a profound impact on me and inspired me to become more involved in the girls hockey community.
After graduating from Carleton University, completing a Masters research project at York University on the use of sport in international development projects, and taking some time to focus on building my career, including working with youth at the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, Right to Play and now the federal government, I was looking for a way to give back to the community that has given me so much. I was welcomed by the Ottawa Girls Hockey Association and for the past two seasons I have been a non-parent volunteer coach with the association. I was an assistant coach with the FUNdamentals program (2018/19, 2019/20), Novice B (2018/19), Atom A (2019/20), and was one of the on-ice leaders for the First Shift Program. Additionally, throughout the 2019/20 season, I led the charge on the OGHA’s “Because it’s 2019 Committee”, an effort to increase the number of female coaches within the association. I ran a session for OGHA players interested in volunteering with other teams, organized and facilitated the second annual All-Female Coaching Development Session, organized a group of approximately 15 players from the OGHA to be on ice helpers during the First Shift Program, and was planning a Female Coaches Summit for OGHA coaches that was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I would very much like to continue this work as a member of the Board of Directors.
Over the last two years, I have met and interacted with many players and families throughout the association and am continually inspired by the love, sportsmanship and dedication they demonstrate, not only to hockey, but to the OGHA and their teammates. If selected as a member of the Board of Directors, my goal would be to keep our players, their interests, and their families at the centre of our efforts as we navigate a safe return to hockey this season.
Misha was nominated by Mackenzie Tobin and Sunita Maria Naya-Kingwell.
Craig Azar
My name is Craig Azar and I am putting my name forward for a position on the OGHA board of directors. I have been involved in minor hockey for the past nine years, both on the ice in various capacities, and on the association board. Two years ago I made the move to bring my daughter across from the minor hockey association to the OGHA, and it was the best decision I ever made. My daughter has thrived in the association and I found a new home for my volunteer time. Over the past two seasons I have acted as coach, trainer, manager, goalie convenor, and house league convenor. This gave me the opportunity to regularly attend last season’s board meetings and gain further insight into the workings of the association.
I am passionate about women's hockey and dedicated to furthering the exposure and growth of the association. If elected, I will endeavour to do so at the highest level of commitment and professionalism.
Craig was nominated by Robin McGarry and Marc Lugert.