Isobel Stanley (September 2, 1875 – December 30, 1963) was the daughter of former Governor General of Canada Lord Stanley of Preston. While living in Canada, Stanley helped to popularize ice hockey and is considered one of the first women to play the game.
Sir Stanley was the son of Frederick Stanley and Lady Constance Villiers. He was one of seven children, five boys and two girls. Stanley later married General Hon. Sir John Francis Gathorne-Hardy, taking the name Isobel Gathorne-Hardy. Gathorne-Hardy had one child: daughter Elizabeth Constance Mary Gathorne-Hardy. Stanley became Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
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Stanley shared her father's love of the game of ice hockey and was instrumental in convincing her father to create the Stanley Cup.[1] Stanley played hockey while she was in Canada, playing on the outdoor rink at Rideau Hall. After the opening of the Rideau Skating Rink, Stanley is mentioned in one of the first games of women's hockey played, played at Rideau Rink in 1899.
Lady Isobel Stanley Gathorne-Hardy's role as a pioneer of women’s ice hockey in Canada is acknowledged with the Isobel Gathorne-Hardy Award. The award is given to an active player (at any level) whose values, leadership and personal traits are representative of all female athletes.[2]
| Year | Winner | Province |
| 2000 | Linda Irving[3] | Prince Edward Island |
| 2002 | Andria Hunter[4] | Peterborough, Ontario |
| 2003 | Tanya Leone[5] | British Columbia |
| 2004 | Jane Legacé[6] | |
| 2005 | Cathy Phillips [7] | |
| 2006 | Melanie McFarlane [8] | |
| 2007 | Karen Mamchuk [9] | |
| 2009 | Charla Currie [10] | |
| 2011 | Nancy MacMillan[11] | West Prince, P.E.I. |