MINISTER AMBROSE CONGRATULATES FIRST FEMALE HOCKEY HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

OTTAWA, Nov. 9 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, congratulated the first female hockey players to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.  Angela James and Cammi Granato were presented with their Hockey Hall of Fame rings on Monday morning.

"As Minister for Status of Women, I am so pleased that Ms. James and Ms. Granato have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame," said Minister Ambrose. "It is an epic moment not only for women in sport, but for all women and girls, that these pioneering women have been recognized for their many contributions to the game of hockey."

Ms. James spent her younger years playing boys' hockey, as there were no women's teams when she was growing up in Toronto, Ontario. Known as the 'Wayne Gretzky' of women's hockey, Ms. James was a goal scorer with a penchant for competition.  She helped propel Canada's women's hockey team to four world championship gold medals.  Ms. James has also been inducted into the Black Hockey Sports Hall of Fame and the International Ice Hockey Hall of Fame.

Ms. Granato was determined to be an elite hockey player from a young age, growing up in a large hockey family outside of Chicago, Illinois.  She captained the United States women's hockey team to a gold medal at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games, and also took home eight silver medals and one gold medal during her years with the U.S. world championship team.  Ms. Granato was invited to try out for the National Hockey League's New York Islanders but chose instead to pursue her Olympic dream. Ms. Granato now resides in Vancouver.

"I am very proud that Ms. James and Ms. Granato have broken down barriers for women in sport.  Their hard work and dedication to advancing women's hockey are admirable, and I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to these two great athletes on such monumental career achievements," said Minister Ambrose.

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to www.swc-cfc.gc.ca.

For further information:

Rebecca Thompson Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Public Works and          Government Services and      Minister for Status of Women 613-956-9549

Nanci-Jean Waugh Director General, Communications and      Strategic Planning Status of Women Canada 613-995-7839