The Hamilton Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League have hired Laura Fortino as director of player development and an assistant coach, the club announced Monday.
Fortino, 31, is a veteran of two Olympics and six World Championships as a defender with Team Canada. The Sochi 2014 gold medallist becomes the first female assistant coach in OHL history.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Laura to our Hamilton Bulldogs family. Laura exudes the passion, character and leadership that we covet in Hamilton,” Bulldogs president and general manager Steve Staios said Monday. “Laura’s playing experience and success speaks for itself, she has been an instrumental part on many championship teams and undoubtedly will carry on that success as a coach.”
Fortino most recently played for Toronto as a member of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PHWPA) and has also suited up for Cornell University, the Brampton/Markham Thunder, and the Stoney Creek Sabres, among others.
Additionally, Fortino — a Hamilton product — has served as a coach at Bulldogs training and development camps in recent years.
“I’m thrilled to add Laura to our staff,” Bulldogs head coach Jay McKee said. “With her infectious personality and fantastic hockey resume, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside her.”
The Bulldogs finished the 2021–22 season as the top team in the Ontario Hockey League, posting a 51–12–5 record and 107 points in 68 games. They carried that momentum into the playoffs, ultimately defeating the Windsor Spitfires in seven games to capture their second J. Ross Robertson Cup (and qualifying for the Memorial Cup in the process).
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