Olympic gold medalist Laura Fortino has joined the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs as assistant coach and director of player development.
The Canadian national team and PWHPA player becomes the first woman to hold an assistant coach role in the OHL.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Laura to our Hamilton Bulldogs family. Laura exudes the passion, character and leadership that we covet in Hamilton.” said Bulldogs president and GM Steve Staios in a statement. “We have witnessed firsthand through our training and development camps over the years, her ability to coach and mentor players. Laura’s playing experience and success speaks for itself, she has been an instrumental part on many Championship teams and undoubtably will carry on that success as a Coach.”
Fortino was a member of the Olympic gold medal-winning Canadian team at the 2014 Sochi Games. She was also part of the Canadian team which took home silver at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.
Fortino played four seasons with the Cornell University Big Red. She then joined the CWHL’s Brampton Thunder, turned Markham Thunder, where she won the defender of the year award in 2015-16.
The Hamilton native has played with the PWHPA’s Toronto team since the 2019-20 season.
“I’m thrilled to add Laura to our staff” said Bulldogs head coach Jay McKee in a statement. “With her infectious personality and fantastic hockey resume, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside her.”.