Feature photo: IG / @calgarywildfc
Josh and Margot Morrissey’s investment in Calgary Wild FC is already making an impact in the community.
This past October, Josh, now in his ninth NHL season, all with the Winnipeg Jets, and his wife, Margot, were introduced as investors in Calgary Wild FC. One of six clubs that will compete in the Northern Super League, the Canadian-based professional women’s soccer league is launching its inaugural season on April 16.
The couple has already assisted big in the defenceman’s hometown before the NSL season kicks off, specifically, championing the Alberta Children’s Hospital mental health literacy program, which will benefit from the proceeds raised through sales of a Wild FC T-shirt, emblazoned with the words, ‘She Shoots, She Soars’ on the front.
“Seeing the team be successful is certainly a big thing, but so too, is being a presence in the community and helping to grow the game,” Josh told NHLPA.com.
Shining the light on mental health is not something new for the couple.
“Over COVID, Margot and I started an initiative that helped raise money for mental health programs in Calgary and across Western Canada. We were able to partner with Alberta Children’s Hospital and donate funds from that campaign to that particular program.
“To know that they are helping educate young people about mental health, not holding in their feelings, being open and creating a comfortable environment for them means the world to us.”
As does the opportunity to delve into the sports ownership sphere.
Ownership in the league, which was co-founded by Diana Matheson, a former Canadian national team soccer player and two-time Olympic bronze-medalist, was an ideal fit.
The idea was first brought to their attention last summer.
“We were contacted by some of the people with Calgary Wild and NSL,” said Josh, who was born and raised in Calgary. “For us, it was interesting right away. When it’s the offseason, there is time to look at different opportunities beyond hockey, and this one caught our attention from day one.
“Deanna Zumwalt, who is board chair with the team, shared her vision and it very much resonated with us.
Josh is a “big fan of sports in general” while Margot has sports ownership in her DNA being the granddaughter of the late Byron J. Seaman, a longtime owner of the Calgary Flames.
“Margot will probably have to teach me a thing or two about being an owner,” quipped Josh.
The fact that the couple spend their offseason in the Alberta city is another reason why their ownership in Calgary Wild FC is a match made in heaven.
Both are thrilled to see a professional soccer league for Canadian women come to fruition.
“Giving our top female athletes a stage to compete on in Canada is so important for us,” said Josh. “We have seen the success of Canada’s national women’s soccer team, and we want to see that continue.
“A lot of the top countries in women’s soccer have their own leagues to help them develop their careers and aspirations of making the national team.”
The 29-year-old defenceman points to another Canadian professional league as an inspiration for the NSL.
“We have seen the great success the PWHL has had. We have seen the stature and scope of women’s sports grow exponentially over the past few years.
“There is also the NWSL in the U.S.,” noted Josh, of the 14-team National Women’s Soccer League in the United States. “Women’s sports have got a permanent foothold in the consumer space, which is great. The consumer has an appetite for pro women’s sports, which further emphasizes that it is the right time to have this league starting up.
“We want to have the exposure for the league and all the great female athletes who will play in it.”
For now, the focus for Josh, drafted 13th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft, is focused on hockey, both at the NHL level and on the international stage.
Not only is he a major contributor to a Winnipeg Jets team who currently holds down top spot in the Western Conference, the alternate captain will also play for Canada at the upcoming 4-Nations Face-Off, being held in Montreal and Boston Feb. 12-20.
“To have this opportunity is very special, a big honour, especially on the national team level,” said Josh, who last played for his country at the 2017 world championship when Canada earned a silver medal. “There is immense pride that comes with it.
“Growing up watching Canada in the Olympics and World Cup of Hockey, it was my dream to have the chance to represent Canada one day in a best-on-best tournament, so to be on the 4 Nations Team – it is amazing. I am grateful to be part of Team Canada.”
The player who struck gold with Canada at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championship and the 2015 world juniors has taken more than one look at the star-stacked 4 Nations Face-Off rosters ahead of the tournament.
“It’s extremely exciting seeing the players who are part of this team, and I can’t wait to get out there with the guys. You look at the names on every team and there are so many great ones, so the tournament will be ultra-competitive and a great show for the fans.”
A tournament that includes a player who has added sports ownership to his profile.
“We are huge sports fans, so to be involved in this way was a very good fit for us to jump on board. It’s a new and exciting experience.
“We are a small part of the equation, but we are excited about being fans and supporting the team.”
