Hockey Nova Scotia, in partnership with the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, is proud to introduce two new awards that honour the achievements of an Eskasoni hockey trailblazer.

On Thursday afternoon at the Dan K. Stevens Memorial Arena in Erin Denny’s hometown of Eskasoni, Hockey Nova Scotia and the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund announced the creation of the Erin Denny Award and the Erin Denny Scholarship, two new annual awards that will recognize and inspire the next generation of Indigenous players in Nova Scotia.

The Mi’kmaq have a deep connection to hockey and are often credited with the invention of an early version of the game. In the early 20th century, Mi’kmaq carvers crafted hockey sticks that were sold around the world. To acknowledge this important history, and to celebrate the ongoing contributions of Indigenous players like Erin Denny to the sport, Hockey Nova Scotia is honoured to present these awards in her name.

From Eskasoni First Nation, Erin Denny made history at the 2019 Canada Winter Games when she became the first Mi’kmaw woman to represent Team Nova Scotia in women’s hockey. She went on to play five seasons with Saint Mary’s University, serving as an assistant captain, and graduated in 2025.

“I am honoured to receive this recognition, as it is very meaningful to me that I am able to encourage and support the next generation of Indigenous players,” Denny said. “I am very proud to have created a pathway for Indigenous youth, but I hope that through these opportunities they will be able to create pathways of their own for generations to come.”

The Erin Denny Award will be presented annually to an Indigenous player who demonstrates outstanding determination and a commitment to leadership, community involvement, and personal growth. Eligible recipients must be registered in minor hockey during that season.

The Erin Denny Scholarship, a $2,000 scholarship, will be presented annually to an Indigenous player to support their educational journey. Each recipient will also receive an item of cultural significance.

“Through her leadership, commitment to her community, passion for hockey, and her many accolades on and off the ice, Erin has become a role model for players across our province,” said Dean Smith, Hockey Nova Scotia’s Diversity & Inclusion Chair.

“On behalf of our board of directors and our diversity and inclusion committee, I am very excited to help launch these awards in her honour,” Smith said.

Applications for both the award and scholarship will be reviewed by a selection panel consisting of Erin Denny (chair), a representative of the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund, and a representative from Hockey Nova Scotia.

Funding for the scholarship will be provided by Hockey Nova Scotia to the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund (via the Ulnooweg Indigenous Communities Foundation) to administer. The Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund will also provide a cultural item to each recipient.

Hockey Nova Scotia is proud to partner with the Genevieve Francis Memorial Fund on this important acknowledgement.

Apply for the Erin Denny Award

Apply for the Erin Denny Scholarship