Today, the OHL made history as the Sarnia Sting drafted female goalie Taya Currie in the 14th round of the annual draft. Currie, like many other talented female hockey players, has routinely played on boys travel teams up through the Bantam level. Following in the skates of her idols, Shannon Szabados and Manon Rheaume, who also broke barriers in the WHL and the NHL, respectively, Currie now has the opportunity to prove herself at the major junior level.
Given the far too many recent examples of continuing issues of inequity for girls, women and people of color in the sports world, this event is cause for special celebration and reflection. As the first Tweets began to appear, this longtime hockey mom – and retired hockey player – was thrilled to hear from former students as well as her own hockey playing daughters reveling in the moment. We know there is A LOT more work to do, but this is a great step forward.
Congrats to the Sting, Taya Currie, and of course her parents and family. No more changing into your gear in the bathroom, ladies, because nobody bothered to reserve a locker room for the only female on the team. No more having to hope for a “good guy” coach who will take the girl on the roster (special thanks, Coach Gormley). No more seeing a player’s sex, rather than their ability and contributions to the team.
Best of luck, Taya. Hope to see you in the crease for the Sting soon.
#OHLDraft history! 
Congrats to goaltender Taya Currie of @ALLIANCE_Hockey‘s @EMCChiefs, the first female ever chosen in the Priority Selection, joining @StingHockey at 267th overall: https://bit.ly/3wLe7Nn1:58 PM · Jun 5, 2021·Twitter Web App919 Retweets339 Quote Tweets2,577 Likes
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