Hoping to inspire young minds
Standryk among three women elected to Hockey Canada board of directors
Leanne Standryk paused as she gathered her thoughts. It was taking her a moment to find the right words.
Her silence spoke volumes. Earlier that day, she listened closely as a friend conveyed the importance of Standryk’s appointment to Hockey Canada’s board of directors. It was proof to all “young girls out there aspiring to make a name for themselves that they can do it, and they will do it,” Standryk was told.
Quickly, the impact of her new position became clear, so finding a way to describe her feelings was — understandably — a challenging task.
“I’m a bit overwhelmed with the attention, truly honoured to have this opportunity to work with Hockey Canada and absolutely filled with gratitude for the communication of support and confidence and encouragement that I’ve received,” said Standryk, a senior partner at the St. Catharines law firm Lancaster, Brooks & Welch LLP.
“I really look forward to working with Hockey Canada over the next two years to grow the game.”
On Sunday, Standryk was introduced as one of three women elected to the Hockey Canada board of directors. Also selected to serve two-year terms were Andrea Skinner and Mary Anne Veroba.
This was the first election since Hockey Canada instituted a bylaw requiring the board to have, at minimum, two male and two female members to “better reflect Canadian society.”
It is an attempt by the sport’s national governing body toward becoming more welcoming and inclusive.
All three women are following the path laid out by Karen Phibbs, the lone female in history to hold a seat on the Hockey Canada board, serving from 2013 to ’15.
Steps such as these are critically important in moving forward and creating change, said Standryk.
“It is a move by Hockey Canada and its membership to comprise a board that is reflective of the diverse community we serve, including girls and women playing the sport,” she said. “This personal experience for me has a clear message that, if you work hard, and you stay humble, and you dream it, you can do it and you will do it.”
A labour, employment and sports law attorney, Standryk was encouraged to put forward her application to the board earlier this year by Donna Iampieri, executive director of the Hockey Canada Foundation.
Believing Standryk to be a great candidate, Iampieri reached out to provide advice and direction on the process. Standryk also received an endorsement from the Ontario Hockey Federation, which submitted a letter of support on her behalf.
On Saturday, Hockey Canada held its annual general meeting — this time, virtually — to select its board of directors.
The Niagara Falls native brings to the table a diverse skillset, including more than 20 years of experience as legal counsel, a history of competitive athletics and a lifetime of being a fan and spectator.
As a lawyer, Standryk has represented several national sports organizations, provincial sports organizations and grassroots organizations.
She suggested, “while their specific interests vary, there’s a great deal of commonality in the issues they experience,” whether that is questions around good governance, the principles of safe sport — “athlete protection, athlete maltreatment and how to respond to that and how that might change board governance” — or the safe return-to-play during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like all her siblings, Standryk began playing sports at an early age, focusing on Alpine skiing and soccer. She also played varsity volleyball as a university student-athlete.
However, it was her point-ofview as a fan she emphasized in her video submission to the Hockey Canada members.
Every year she — well, her husband, Standryk clarifies — builds an outdoor ice rink for her nieces and nephews so she knows first-hand how sports can connect family and friends.
“Hockey Canada has this incredible ability to unite people coast-to-coast and ignite a passion in people for the sport, and it is like no other,” she said. “It brings community and family together. My experience with hockey is really about bringing people together.”
She has been extremely fortunate, she said, to have “spectacular” mentors, friends and family members who have helped and inspired her along the way.
Equally as important is ensuring women embolden one another, and find a way to celebrate, rather than diminish, each other’s accomplishments.
“It is also not lost on me the significance of this responsibility. Women more than ever need to support and encourage one another to take a place at the table and be a part of the conversation,” said Standryk. “The appointment of women directors to the board sends a strong message about the goal of diversity.”
As she gets ready to attend her first orientation session with Hockey Canada as a newly elected board member, Standryk is focused on listening and understanding the history of the organization, its strategic goals and top priorities, both short-term and long-term.
“Certainly, there’s a commitment to grow the game from the grassroots organization, as well as increased accessibility and ensuring that the game is safe for everyone,” she said. “We’ve received a strong message from Hockey Canada that they are looking at the goal of diversity and inclusion and that involves the female representation and the female voice.”
For now, she is taking it all in, and she is more than prepared to face whatever comes. It was her experience in and of itself that earned her the board selection, but Standryk also won’t shy away from what it means to represent women in sports either.
“I think that, no matter what it is I do, I feel the pressure of wanting to put my best foot forward, and be the best version of myself,” she said. “I hope that my experience inspires not only young girls but young minds regardless of gender or race.”