About | The Women of Winter

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It all started at an outdoor rink in downtown Toronto…

The Women of Winter was founded in 2005 by Deirdre Norman to facilitate the grassroots growth of the women’s hockey game in Toronto, Canada. We have become a global community reaching across borders and continents to bridge cultures while playing the best game. T.W.O.W. supports and promotes women hockey players of all ages and skill levels, from those playing shinny at local outdoor rinks, to our elite women hockey players. T.W.O.W. activities include trips to international hockey tournaments, teaching hockey skills, supporting youth programs, advocating for equal ice time for women players (regardless of level), and the legendary annual outdoor women’s shinny tournament held in Toronto since 2006. We pride ourselves in changing the world, one rink at a time!

T.W.O.W. Team

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Deirdre Norman #13

Founder and Empress of Ice at T.W.O.W. Hockey, Deirdre laced up her skates at the age of 45 after seeing how much fun her son was having on the ice. Her first time on the ice was a knockout to say the least, but she fell in love with the game anyway and has been faithful ever since. An advocate for the women’s game, Deirdre works on the premise that if we build a big enough and strong enough community we will change the world, one rink at a time.

Meet Our Sponsors

Barry Walmsley, Travel and Play

Barry Walmsley (“The Barry” to those in the know) is the owner of Travel and Play, which has been organizing sports teams’ trips around the world for 30 years. We use Barry’s professional services often and can tell you that he’s the real deal. Barry is also an avid supporter of The Women of Winter, and we’re proud to work together.

Junction Craft Brewing, Toronto, Canada

Junction Craft Brewing was established in West Toronto’s historic railway neighbourhood, The Junction, in 2011 by Tom and Doug. Their mission is to create balanced, flavourful versions of diverse beer styles, while sharing a passion for their enjoyment with a wide range of beer drinkers. Needless to say, Tom plays hockey and really stepped up the game by sponsoring T.W.O.W. Thanks

Balzac's Coffee Roasters, Toronto, Canada

Balzac’s celebrates local culture wherever it opens a location, serving diverse communities for years. Balzac’s has become a central gathering place for locals to converse, and The Women of Winter have loved spending time here for as long as any of us can remember. We’re proud to have Balzac’s as a sponsor that celebrates The Women of Winter’s diversity.

The Wicket, Toronto, Canada

The Wicket Restaurant and Bar is your friendly neighbourhood restaurant serving up good food, good drinks and good times to the Toronto and hockey communities. The Wicket offers an excellent selection of local craft beer on tap, classic cocktails along with a few favourite imports. [We pour a damn good Guinness].

What The Women of Winteris All AboutWhat The Women of Winteris All About

T.W.O.W. Team

Deirdre Norman #13

Meet Our Sponsors