Heather Hong, who made history in Chapleau as the first female to play on Chapleau Minor Hockey Association teams, which until her arrival had only boys on them, has been inducted into the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Hall of Fame.
Heather, better known in Chapleau as "Bubbie" was inducted in 2013 in the newly added hockey section, and I apologize for being a bit late in recognizing her accomplishment as a pioneer in women's hockey. However, in Chapleau, she played on the boys' teams up to Midget, and at one point was the team captain.
Heather is the daughter of Yen and the late Frances Hong.
Her brother Bill, in sharing a story about how the Hong family likely made hockey history in the 1970s when seven family members all participated in the same game commented, "How do you think I felt with my sister as captain of the hockey team?"
Their cousins Geoffrey, Barry and Doug were also playing on the team while Jim Hong was the referee and another cousin Murray was one of the linesmen. However, nobody thought to save a copy of the game report. Jim is Heather's uncle.
Heather was a three-time OCAA Championship All-Star with Humber College after graduating from Chapleau High School, according to the college web site.
"Playing defence for the Hawks, Hong was tied for second in league scoring as a rookie in 1980-81, scoring 10 goals while adding 11 assists. She added two playoff goals as Humber advanced to the OCAA final before losing to Fleming."
Heather scored nine goals and assisted on nine others during the 1981-82 season. Hong and her teammates struck gold at the end of the season as Humber won its first and only OCAA women's hockey championship.
 |
| Heather back row third from left |
She was limited to just one regular season game in 1982-83, but played in four playoff games as Humber earned the OCAA bronze medal. She recorded four assists in those four games.
As well as being inducted into the OCAA Heather is a member of the OCAA Women's Hockey All-Millennium team. Humber College refers to Heather as one of its "Women's Hockey Greats'.
The OCAA says that induction into the Hall of Fame is the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments within collegiate sports in Ontario.
Heather was among 49 college athletes in 2013 selected who were chosen on the basis of athletic skills and abilities, fair play, leadership and individual accomplishments.
Congratulations Heather on being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Thanks to Bill for research assistance. My email is mj.morris@live.ca
