Hamilton Bulldogs hire Laura Fortino as first female Assistance Coach, Director of Player Development

Hamilton Bulldogs announced the hiring of Canadian National Women’s Team icon Laura Fortino as the first female Assistant Coach in OHL history, as well as Director of Player Development with the Bulldogs.

“I’m thrilled to add Laura to our staff” said Hamilton 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.”

Fortino is a Hamilton native who has a hockey career dating back to her time locally with the Stoney Creek Sabres and Burlington Barracudas. She starred with the Cornell Big Red from 2009-2013 and has since had professional success with the Brampton/Markham Thunder of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) and is a driving force behind the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA).

She also represented Canada at a pair of Women’s U-18 Championships winning a silver medal in 2009. She also medaled at every international tournament in which she skated including 6 Women’s World Championships and two Olympic Games, with a gold medal performance at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

“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 & General Manager 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.”