LAURA STACEY
Position: Forward
Hometown: Kleinburg, Ont.
Birthdate: May 5, 1994
Club Team: Brampton Thunder (CWHL)

Road to Women’s Worlds
2003-04: Humberview Huskies (Minor Atom AA Boys)
2004-05: Toronto Royals (Atom AA Boys)
2005-06: Toronto Royals (Minor Peewee AA Boys)
2006-07: Toronto Royals (Peewee AA Boys)
2007-08: Toronto Red Wings (Minor Bantam AA Boys)
2008-09: Etobicoke Dolphins (Intermediate AA)
2009-10: Aurora Panthers (Intermediate AA)
2010-12: Toronto Aeros (Intermediate AA)
2012-16: Dartmouth College (NCAA)
2016-17: Brampton Thunder (CWHL)

Team Canada Experience
International debut: August 18, 2010 vs. United States
Canada’s National Women’s Team: 4GP 1G 1A 2P
Canada’s National Women’s Development Team: 29GP 4G 4A 8P
Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team: 16GP 10G 10A 20P

Who has played the biggest role in getting you to your first women’s worlds?
“Getting to my first women’s worlds has been an exciting journey that required support, love and motivation from many inspiring friends, coaches and teammates. My family, though, has definitely played the biggest role, especially my parents, John and Karen, and sister, Holly. The very first time I put on skates, they were actually figure skates, and my sister was there holding my hand and attempting to teach me how to pirouette. The first time I laced up hockey skates, my parents were in the crowd laughing at me because I could barely stand up, but from that day forward the unwavering support has helped me get to where I am today; for that, I could not be more thankful. From the financial support over the years, to the long road trips and the tears of both joy and pain, my family has been through it all. They continuously push me to be the best hockey player and person that I can be while making sacrifices that allow me to pursue my dreams.”

When did you decide you wanted to play for Team Canada?
“When I first started playing hockey, I completely fell in love with the game and wanted to be on the ice as much as possible. It was not until I was eight years old that I started to dream about playing for Team Canada. I had heard a lot about the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City and saw the final game on TV when Cassie Campbell (one of my biggest role models) received her gold medal. I remember collecting the collectible pins of all the famous hockey players, and from that moment on I dreamed of being just like all of those women, standing on the blue-line with a gold medal around my neck, singing the national anthem. When I was invited to my first Hockey Canada camp my dreams started to become a reality and I couldn’t believe it. Wearing the Canadian flag on my chest is truly an honour.” 

What is the most important thing hockey has given you?
“Hockey has been a big part of my life ever since I was a little girl, and it truly helped shape me into the person I am today. Hard work, leadership, perseverance, determination and teamwork are all intangible qualities that I continuously strive to embody, and hockey has instilled them in me. Most importantly, I think hockey has given me a second family. All of the teammates and coaches I have been fortunate enough to play with and against these past 18 years have provided me with lifelong friendships, mentors and role models that will be with me for the rest of my life.”