In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Vegas Golden Knights invited 2010 Hockey Hall of Famer Angela James to Vegas for three fun-filled days of hockey.
James started her time with the Golden Knights with a meet and greet with Foley Entertainment Group employees before participating in a panel and Q&A session with the 10U and 12U Vegas Junior Golden Knights Girls hockey teams.
During the conversation, led by Rinkside Reporter Ashali Vise, James talked about her experience growing up playing hockey and the challenges she overcame to become one of three women inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
“It is a privilege to not only get the chance to speak with her myself but also share her story with others,” said Vise. “She is a huge part of the reason women have a place in sport now, whether that be on or off the ice. A shining example of if you can see it, you can be it. I’m honored that the team allowed me to share her story with all of our viewers but especially the young girls who are wondering if they have a place in sport.”
As James shared her story, her message impacted everyone in the room as they reflected on their own journeys in hockey.
“Angela James is so amazing,” said Bhargavi Rajana, mother to 10U VJGK player Harika Reddy. “It Is inspiring to meet, listen and interact with her. The girls are fortunate to get this opportunity. I hope they take it with them and continue to grow and enjoy playing hockey.”
Following the event, James participated in an autograph and meet and greet with the 14U and 16U Vegas Junior Golden Knights before getting on the ice to lead a clinic for the girls.
For Director of Youth Hockey Programs and Fan Development Sheri Hudspeth, it was a special moment as James was Hudspeth’s role model growing up.
“Growing up playing for the Jr. Aeros in Toronto, Angela James was one my role models and favorite player to watch in hockey,” said Hudspeth. “It was a special and unique opportunity now as coach and a VGK staff member to share her experience with our Vegas Jr. Golden Knights Girls. Authentic events with high-level athlete ambassadors enhance our organizational commitment to celebrate female excellence in hockey and increase girl’s and women’s hockey participation in Nevada.”
The visit continued Thursday with James as a guest of the Golden Knights for their Women’s History Knight against the Vancouver Canucks, ending her trip with her first visit to T-Mobile Arena.
James joined the pregame show, hosted by Ashali Vise and Megan Bozek to continue the Women’s History Knight celebration, sharing her wisdom and experience before being interviewed by In-Arena Host Kelly Marie.
James’ incredible hockey career has been recognized with numerous honors and awards including:
- 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Hockey of Hall Inductee, one of the first three women to be so
- 2010 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee, one of the first two women
- 2009 Canadian Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
- 2021 Order of Hockey in Canada
- 2022 Officer of the Order of Canada
Despite officially retiring from hockey, James is still involved in the sport, teaching kids to skate and working as an Ambassador of Hockey for the NHL in addition to being a Professor of Sports Administration at Georgian College.
“One of the most interesting things about Angela is that she doesn’t speak as though she didn’t do anything out of the ordinary,” said Vise. “Just by being herself and playing the game she loves; she inspired a generation.”
