Hockey Canada recognizes Lafrance-Horning as a Hero of Play

Denyse Lafrance-Horning is a hero. More specifically, she is a Hockey Canada, Canadian Tire Hero of Play.

The assistant professor in Nipissing’s School of Business recently received the award from Hockey Canada, which is celebrating their 100th anniversary by recognizing 100 behind-the-scenes individuals who contribute to the success of sport in Canada.

From her involvement in the North Bay District Girls Hockey Association to the Lakers women’s hockey program at Nipissing University, Lafrance-Horning has spent more than a decade involved in hockey in North Bay.

She has worked as a head coach or assistant coach for eight seasons in the North Bay and District Girls Hockey Association, served as director of the pre-Novice program and played and active role on Nipissing’s athletic advisory board. Lafrance-Horning also played a leading role in bringing men’s and women’s varsity hockey to Nipissing. She has been very involved in the Laker’s program, working with students to envision and develop Nipissing’s Pink the Rink games in support of breast cancer research.

Lafrance-Horning is currently completing her thesis on how companies can use sport sponsorship to best connect with women consumers.