From its initial beginnings as Judy Ilcio's business plan assignment - a student in Ryerson University's business program - to its present day 14-team, two Division house league structure, the Toronto Women's Ball Hockey Association (TWBHA) has been a driving force behind the development of women's ball hockey. Much of the TWBHA's 35-year success can be credited to the tireless and passionate efforts of many of their past and present players, coaches, officials, and organizers who together focused on building women's ball hockey into what it is today.  

Joan Padmore Memorial Invitational Tournament: A tribute to a volunteer extraordinaire

Along with its ball hockey leagues, the TWBHA also hosts an annual invitational ball hockey tournament.  Begun in the 1980's, this invitational tournament enables TWBHA teams to play against teams from other ball hockey leagues found throughout Ontario.  Seven years ago, the TWBHA chose to rename their annual tournament the Joan Padmore Memorial Tournament to honour a woman who was a constant force behind  her three daughters' participation in sports and the girls and women found in her Leaside community.  As a tireless volunteer, registrar and board member of the Toronto Leaside Girls Hockey Association (TLGHA), Joan could always be found at the rink.  This is where current TWBHA President Beth Brotherstone met Joan and experienced first hand how one woman could represent so much to so many.  In Beth's words,

"she was always proudly watching her girls play.  Family trips involved her going to cheer her girls on at provincials and nationals.  I also visited the Padmore home on numerous occasions to pick up or drop off one of the girls and have a quick visit.  Whether at the rink or in her home, Joan always ensured nobody left hungry.  The fruit trays passed around the dressing room after games were always provided by Joan". 

Joan's warm and welcoming ways as the League's Registrar and volunteer extraordinaire left an indelible mark that made playing hockey in Leaside more than just about playing a game.  It was first and foremost about building a supportive community around the players and their families. It is in the spirit of Joan's legacy as a loving parent, dedicated volunteer and visionary leader in women's sports, that the TWBHA hosts their annual tournament - now affectionally known as the "The Padmore" - with the proceeds going to sponsor Joan's daughter Clare's participation in the Becel Heart and Stroke Ride For a Cure.

We invite you to read more about Joan Padmore's inspiring legacy with the Toronto Leaside Girls Hockey Association.

Athlete Gallery - Saturday action at "The Padmore" TWBHA Invitational.

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