Today Susan Fennell, Mayor of the City of Brampton and Commissioner of the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL) announced that she is retiring from the NWHL.

Fennell, the founding Commissioner of the NWHL, worked tirelessly to build a real 'Hockey League for Women'.. her dream and vision that girls could grow up 'wanting to play in the NWHL'..just as boys dream to someday play in the National Hockey League (NHL).

"I remember coming back from the Olympics in 1998 and we didn't even have a team to play on", says Olympian Vicky Sunohara. "Susan Fennell stepped up and today we have a Championship CUP in the Hockey Hall of Fame, we have fans, we have so much more.. ..."

In 1999, Commissioner Fennell negotiated a national television contract with MAC Productions, purchased a 'CUP' modelled after the Stanley Cup along with an MVP trophy, called the Brampton Cup and in year 2000 the first NWHL Championship Cup was hoisted. Fighting to create an identity for the women, Susan negotiated to have these two NWHL cups forever placed in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Since then, every year, the NWHL Championship has been nationally broadcast on TV and played before record full house crowds (5,000+ fans!) in Brampton.

Today, the NWHL is a recognized name, with a recognizable Logo (designed by Michael Charbon of MAC Productions), a frequently visited website (www.nwhlhockey.com updated daily by Bob Dandridge). Scores are updated real-time with POINTSTREAK.

At the 2005 NWHL Championship Final, the NHL provided the Stanley Cup to stand alongside the NWHL's Championship Cup as further evidence that the women have a 'league of their own' and a 'cup of their own'.

"Susan Fennell has played an instrumental role in moving the cause of women's hockey forward during her tenure as Commissioner of the National Women's Hockey League," said Bill Daly, NHL Deputy Commissioner "The National Hockey League supports the continued growth of women's hockey and Susan Fennell has left women's hockey with a solid foundation for future advancement."

In 2005, Fennell contacted Governor General A Clarkson and invited her to 'provide the NWHL Championship Cup status by naming the CUP the Clarkson Cup'.. This too, has now been accomplished.

"Susan Fennell has made significant contributions and should be thanked for what she's done for the game," stated Cassie Campbell, Olympian and Team Canada Captain. "Nine years ago we played for T-Shirts now we have the foundation for a future Pro League."

"In 8 years Susan's commitment and dedication produced an unparalleled profile for women's league hockey. Susan built a solid volunteer organization and she will be missed. Susan created the league that is entertaining to watch, while ensuring those who play are treated and showcased as the superstars they are! The NWHL is the premier league for women's hockey, where about 90% of the players from five-time World Champion Team Canada play. It has also attracted players from Team USA, Team Finland, Team Germany and Team Japan," said Bob Dandridge, VP NWHL.

"I'm sad that Susan Fennell is stepping aside, but I understand her time restraints," stated Jayna Hefford, 3-time Olympic Champion. "Susan Fennell has made women's hockey better. Susan Fennell has brought women's hockey to new levels during her 8 years in the game. She has provided us with an opportunity to compete at the highest level, in front of full arenas and she has also given us a vision of where women's club hockey in Canada, and the world can get to. Personally, she has provided me with an atmosphere to train harder, become a better player and become a part of a community that is very proud of women's hockey (Brampton). Susan has been a part of my success at both the World and Olympic levels. I'm thankful to her for making women's hockey more professional, and encouraging the game's future leaders to take it further".

"I couldn't have done this without the many people who supported me and women's hockey, as volunteers we worked together to surround women's league hockey to ensure this game and these players received the recognition and respect that they so deserve. My focus and goals were always with only the players in mind" said Susan Fennell.

"With the NWHL expansion across the country now achieved and the Championship Cup now named the Clarkson Cup, the NWHL will need full-time attention," said Fennell. "Women's hockey is a great passion of mine, I remain their biggest fan! but it is time to pass the baton."