Another Passero at the helm
Meaghan Passero, back row, right, is the new president of the Niagara Rapids Girls Hockey Association. Her daughter Delaney, back row, left, is the organization’s manager of media relations while Reaghan, far right, and Myley, lower left, play for the organization. Photo by: BILL POTRECZ.
The new president of the Niagara Rapids Girls Hockey Association is a familiar name in local hockey circles.
Meaghan Passero, the 39-year-old daughter of the late Fort Erie Meteors owner Tony Passero, takes over the position at the end of the month after serving as vice-president this season.
“I think may dad would be ecstatic,” Meaghan Passero said. “He would be very excited.
“It’s definitely in my blood.”
Meaghan Passero joined the board this season and quickly made it clear to president Pat Sica she would be willing to step up and serve as president if the position were to become available.
“I told Pat I would love to take over. It’s something I’m very interested in and I want to watch the program grow,” she said.
Meaghan Passero, who has two daughters, Reaghan (U13) and Myley (U13) who play for the Rapids while oldest daughter Delaney, 17, is the organization’s manager of media relations, considers it is vital a female sit as president.
“It’s a women’s organization and I definitely believe a woman should be a leader in that organization and I think it looks good for a woman to have someone behind them,” she said.
Meaghan Passero has considerable experience in the sport having been part of the Meteors organization for years. As a co-owner, she currently aids her brothers — head coach and general manager Nik Passero and assistant coach Anthony Passero — with all off-ice activities.
“I know my background with the Meteors helps me pursue it,” she said. “I know anything that I can bring to the table with the Meteors learning through my dad, I just know I can help the organization grow,” she said.
The Rapids feature nine house league and rep teams and Meaghan Passero wants to see those numbers increase.
“It’s more kids playing hockey, absolutely,” she said when asked for her biggest goal. “But in the last couple of years we’ve lost a lot of teams and that’s unacceptable. I want to bring all these girls back and show them Niagara can compete against anybody.
“A lot of girls went to Badgers. The (Rapids) girls can compete with the best of them.”
Meghan Passero plans to lean on Josh Anthony, who will run player development and a fundamentals program, as well as vice-president Jamie Gallucci.
“Jamie is a great backbone for me and I’m grateful to have both those gentlemen on my side,” she said.
With the current season winding down, Meghan Passero is eager to dig into her new role in her first summer as president.
“I can’t wait. I’m a kid in a candy store,” she smiled.
She also has the Meteors playoff run — they begin the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League semifinal playoffs this week versus Hamilton — to keep her busy.
“This is my life,” she said.
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