Overview

Sonia Scurfield (née Onishenko; September 19, 1928 – June 14, 2018) was a Canadian businesswoman best known for her role as a co‑owner of the NHL team the Calgary Flames. She is notable in hockey history as the second woman, and the only Canadian woman, to have her name engraved on the Stanley Cup following the Flames' championship in 1989. Her background included academic study, often cited as a B.A., and a long association with Calgary's civic and business communities.

Early life and background

Scurfield was born in Hafford, Saskatchewan, a small town on the Canadian prairies. Her maiden name, Onishenko, reflects her family origins. She later moved to Alberta and established herself in business circles. Details about her early career are less widely reported than her later public profile, but she is remembered for bridging private enterprise and public involvement in Calgary and provincewide affairs.

Involvement with the Calgary Flames

Scurfield was a member of the ownership group of the Calgary Flames during the period 1985–1994. The club won the National Hockey League championship in 1989, defeating the Montreal Canadiens in the final series, a moment that secured a place for her name on hockey's most famous trophy. Her connection to the team is often cited as an example of women's presence in professional sports ownership.

Notable facts and distinctions

  • Second woman ever to have a name on the Stanley Cup, and the only Canadian woman to hold that distinction.
  • Owner during one of the franchise's most celebrated seasons, the 1988–89 championship year in the National Hockey League.
  • Born in Hafford, Saskatchewan, she later made Calgary her home and base of operations.

Legacy and death

Sonia Scurfield remained a recognized figure in Calgary until her death. She died on June 14, 2018, in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 89 from stomach cancer. Her role in professional sport ownership and her unique place on the Stanley Cup continue to be cited in discussions about women's participation and leadership in hockey and Canadian business life.

For more context on the team and league where she made her mark, see entries on the Calgary Flames and the National Hockey League.