Enduring leadership
As captain of the Huskie women’s hockey team, Chelsea Purcell (BScKin’10) had a pedigree for leadership. Her current role with the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is an extension of her experience building relationships and working with teammates toward a common goal.
By SEAN CONROYAfter graduating from USask, Purcell continued her playing career with stops in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), in Europe with the Elite Women’s Hockey League, and represented Canada en route to two gold medals at the Ball Hockey World Championships.
During her time with the CWHL, Purcell took on roles related to business operations and strategic partnerships. Today, she is the senior director of the corporate partnerships for the PWHL, which began play in January.
How did your experience at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) help you in your current role with the PWHL?
I lead the corporate partnerships team for both sales and servicing, which includes bringing on new sponsors, and making sure we activate on all our current partnerships. I was given opportunities while at USask to lead some fundraising initiatives, which is what initially piqued my interest into the business side of sports.
What are some of your proudest accomplishments so far with the PWHL?
Some of the biggest highlights would be bringing on more partners and more dollars than what we expected given such a short period and initially having no data to back what we were selling. Seeing the interest and the excitement of the corporate side has been truly rewarding.
From your time as a player to now an executive with the PWHL, what have you observed in the growth/evolution of women's hockey?
What I once thought was professional has completely changed and in the best way possible. I would have never imagined a professional league to play in like this and it will only keep getting better. What is now offered is only because of the investment and commitment that our owners have put in. It’s been amazing to see and be a part of. The game itself has become so much faster and physical that it is truly entertaining to watch.
What was your proudest moment/accomplishment as a Huskie student-athlete?
Being a part of the leadership group and helping build the culture of the team. But more importantly, being a part of a larger team with all the Huskie student-athletes.
What is the bond like with your Huskie teammates since graduation? Do you still stay in touch?
I have stayed in touch with a couple that I played more years with. Moving away right after I graduated definitely made it harder. Moving across the country has made it really hard. I would say I’m closest with Laura Connor (BSA’11) who I played with for four years. We keep in close contact as she has a daughter who loves hockey and (PWHL superstar and three-time Olympic gold medal winner) Marie-Philip Poulin. I don’t make it to Saskatchewan very often, so when people come to Toronto that always helps. The Blue Jays seem to help with that!
As a Huskie hockey alumna, how does it feel to have the U SPORTS Women's Hockey National Championship hosted at USask? Why should the community support the event?
It’s been really fun to be a part of it over the past year through serving on the advisory group for the championship. From playing back in Rutherford Rink, it’s amazing to see the investment that has went into building such a beautiful facility. The team is also a lot better than when I used to play, so it’s been really cool to see the program develop. Especially under Steve Kook (BComm’92) who was in his first year as head coach when I was in my first year. I hope the community can come out and support these women. As the game continues to grow, there could be some future stars in the PWHL in coming years!
What's your message for our Huskies who will be competing for the national championship?
The Green for Life U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship presented by Connect Energy is March 14-17 at Merlis Belsher Place. Buy tickets.