TORONTO– Earlier today, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) announced that former RMU women’s hockey captain Kirsten Welsh (2015-2019) will be the first female linesperson in league history. She takes the ice tonight in a preseason matchup against the Mississauga Steelheads and Guelph Storm.

The league also announced that Welsh will be a member of the OHL Officiating Team for the 2021-22 season.

In September 2019, Welsh made history as one of four women to officiate at the NHL level for the first time, working in an NHL Prospect Tournament hosted by the Buffalo Sabres at Harbor Center.

A native of Blackstock, Ontario, Welsh was a member of the RMU women’s hockey team, anchoring the defensive corps from 2015-2019. She recorded 34 goals, 57 assists, and 91 points during her time at RMU.

Welsh received several awards and honors during her career at RMU, including being named the 2017-18 CHA Defender of the Year and being a part of the All-CHA First Team in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.