Wednesday, March 25, 2026 – The Grindstone Award Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Marianna (MJ) Locke as its new Executive Director, marking an important milestone as the organization continues to grow and expand its impact for girls and women in hockey across Canada.
As Grindstone evolves from a volunteer-led organization into a larger national charity with increasing demand and new partnerships, the addition of an Executive Director position reflects Grindstone’s commitment to building long-term capacity and strengthening support for the young athletes and families it serves.
A former NCAA Division I hockey player, MJ has spent much of her life immersed in high-performance sport as both an athlete and coach, giving her a strong understanding of the game and the barriers many young female players continue to face. Sport also remains central to family life, with her partner serving as Interim Head Coach of the Calgary Wild.
MJ most recently served as Associate Director of Athletic Advancement at St. Lawrence University, where she led donor cultivation, fundraising strategy, and event execution in collaboration with athletic leadership, coaches, and communications staff, helping generate $99,000 more in annual campaign revenue than the previous year. Previously, as Director of Operations at St. Lawrence County Center for History and Culture, she oversaw grants, managed an annual operating budget and $1.7 million endowment, and developed partnerships that created new revenue opportunities.
In addition to her professional leadership experience, MJ holds a Ph.D. in Human Kinetics from University of Ottawa, where her academic work further strengthened her understanding of sport systems, leadership, and human development.
Her background in not-for-profit leadership, paired with a strong network of community relationships and an ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, makes her uniquely positioned to help guide Grindstone’s next chapter.
“With Marianna (MJ) Locke, we have found a leader who is not only exceptionally organized and strategic but also deeply aligned with our heart,” said Grindstone Award Foundation President Danielle Bell.
Her background playing NCAA Division I hockey means she truly speaks the language of our athletes. We are confident that her warmth and expertise will strengthen our foundation and help us change the game for the next generation of female players.
MJ is recognized for her thoughtful and adaptable communication style, shaped through years of working with boards, donors, educators, community leaders, and organizational partners. Her ability to tailor information clearly and strategically for different audiences will be a major asset as Grindstone continues to build momentum nationally.
“I am honoured to join the Grindstone Award Foundation,” said Locke. “I’m inspired by Grindstone’s commitment to creating opportunities for every girl—regardless of circumstance—to develop confidence, leadership, and a true sense of belonging through hockey. Grindstone’s mission is about far more than simply growing the game. It is about helping to empower the next generation of Canadian women on and off the ice.
Since its founding, Grindstone has remained dedicated to removing financial barriers and creating access for girls in hockey through the passion and dedication of its team. As the female game continues to grow rapidly across Canada—from grassroots hockey to the professional level—this new leadership role will help position the organization for greater impact in the years ahead.
The Grindstone Award Foundation looks forward to the leadership, experience, and vision MJ will bring as the organization continues working to ensure more girls have the opportunity to play, belong, and thrive through hockey.
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About Grindstone Award Foundation
The Grindstone Award Foundation is a registered Canadian charity that provides financial assistance to female hockey players under the age of 19 who want to play hockey but are unable to due to financial barriers. Founded in 2014 in Kelowna, British Columbia, Grindstone awarded its first grant in 2015, and has since gone on to provide over $140,000 in financial assistance towards registration fees to female players all across Canada. Funded entirely through generous donations from the public, Grindstone believes that all girls should have equal opportunity when it comes to playing the game they love. Their mandate is to help grow the game of hockey by supporting diverse Canadian families from coast to coast to ensure the sport is accessible for all female players. For more information on Grindstone or to make a donation, please visit grindstoneaward.com and follow Grindstone on social media – @GrindstoneAward.
For more information, please contact:
Rory Case
Communications & Marketing
Grindstone Award Foundation
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