CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada, along with the host organizing committee for the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship, announced Friday that Valerie Hughes has been named general manager of the event, scheduled for April 2013 in Ottawa, Ont.

Hughes, from Ottawa, has over 13 years of sports management experience, including time spent as the manager of events and services for the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa and as national event manager for the 2007 FIFA Under-20 World Cup. She has also worked with the athletics and recreation department at Carleton University and as an event manager with the Canadian Soccer Association.

“Hockey Canada is very excited to have Valerie involved in this event," said Scott Farley, Hockey Canada’s vice-president of marketing services and events. "We are confident she will do an amazing job at ensuring the success of the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship in Ottawa, and we look forward to her joining the Hockey Canada staff and working with the host committee.”

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with both Hockey Canada and Senators Sports and Entertainment again,” said Valerie Hughes. “The 2009 World Juniors was one of the best experiences I have had in my professional career. I also look forward to working with the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association and the many volunteers whose efforts are vital to the success of another exceptional international sporting event in Canada.”

“We are pleased that Valerie has joined the team for the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship,” said Cyril Leeder, co-chair of the host organizing committee. “Valerie has been involved with very successful international events in the past and we look forward to that being the case again leading up to 2013.”

“The 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship will be a first-class event, not just because it will feature the top female hockey players in the world, but because of the hard work of organizers and volunteers,” said Fran Rider, president of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association and vice-chair of the event. “Valerie’s experience and expertise will play an important role in the tournament’s success and she is a much welcome addition to our team.”

The 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship will take place from April 2-9, 2013 and is a partnership between Hockey Canada, the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association and Senators Sports and Entertainment.