Hockey legend Angela James attends book signing in Caledon East

By Zachary Roman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Caledon residents had the chance to meet hockey royalty last week. 

On September 18, four-time world champion hockey player Angela James attended a book signing event at Glen Echo Nurseries in Caledon East. 

She was there to sign books written by Maria Quinto, her former manager when she played with the Aeros women's hockey team.

Quinto and James have maintained a great relationship ever since their time with the Aeros, and this led to Quinto writing a story about James' childhood for her children's book series on women's hockey legends. 

Quinto has written books about James, Geraldine Heaney, and Cassie Campbell.

“After I left the hockey world, it was important for me to teach kids about these three amazing individuals who have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame,” said Quinto.

Each of Quinto's books talk of the players' lives when they were young and struggles they overcame. 

Quinto works at Glen Echo Nurseries, and said her employer was happy and excited to host the book signing event with James. 

James said Quinto's books are great and give young kids the opportunity to dream and think anything is possible.

“It's cool to be able to have your life, your legacy, out there in books, especially for children,” said James.

James is one of five children and grew up in Toronto. She said her family didn't have a lot back then, and that her mom worked very hard to support her family. James said she loved her neighbourhood and that it was a great community; she learned to skate on an outdoor rink near her home.

James explained the Aeros, which Quinto managed, were the equivalent to what Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) teams are today.

“We were very successful… we would go to a lot of championships and a lot of our players would represent Team Canada,” said James.