Susan Fennell

Susan Fennell, born in Ville-St.Laurent, Montreal, Québec, has had a major impact on women’sleague hockey.

At a Brampton Canadette’s Annual Easter Tournament in 1998 during the retirement of CassieCampbell’s jersey, Susan asked Cassie why she didn’t play in Brampton. Cassie’s reply “thereis no team in Brampton” gave Susan the inspiration within 1 month to create the BramptonThunder, attract sponsors, design a team logo and jerseys and outfit a team that would hit theice by the Fall of 1998.

Susan was determined to get the respect and recognition for these elite female hockey players. In Fall, 1999,Susan inked a deal with MAC Productions to put this league on ‘National Television’! By January 2000, thefirst TV League deal was signed, with WTN. Susan then purchased a ‘CUP’ modelled after the Stanley Cup,along with an MVP trophy called the Brampton Cup. Fighting to create an identity for the women, Susannegotiated to have these two NWHL cups forever placed in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The increased profile of women’s league hockey provided the impetus for to many new sponsors, new teamsand revitalized teams. The Vancouver Griffins were introduced in 2002. Through Susan’s determination and‘will’, the NWHL is respected as, and considered to be the equivalent of the NHL for women. Susan’s dreamis that one day little girls will want to grow up and play in the NWHL, just like every boy's dream of playingin the NHL.

Susan has created a league that is entertaining to watch, while ensuring those who play are treated andshowcased as the superstars they are! The NWHL is the premier league for women’s hockey in the world,where about 90% of the players from five-time World Champion Team Canada play. It has also attractedplayers from Team USA, Team Finland, Team Switzerland and Team Japan.

Susan currently resides in Brampton. She is the Commissioner of the NWHL.Susan lives with husband John, and two sons, Michael and Joey. Susan was firstelected Mayor of Brampton in 2000.

Inducted May 31, 2006