On New Year’s Eve 2024, Zoe Boyd experienced what she calls "the best game of her life." Her team, the Ottawa Charge, secured a 2-1 victory against the Toronto Sceptres. While the win was sweet, the true highlight for Boyd was having her mother in the stands for the first time.
"I don’t think I would be playing professional hockey if it weren’t for her," Boyd expressed, reflecting on the influence her mother, Tammy, has had on her life.
At the tender age of five, Boyd's life took a turn when her mother was involved in a car accident that resulted in permanent brain damage. Tammy Boyd has since resided in an assisted care facility, but her presence in Zoe's life remains powerful.
Finding Sanctuary in Hockey
Growing up in Caledon East, Ontario, Boyd discovered a refuge in hockey. She immersed herself in the sport at every opportunity, transitioning from casual pond hockey to competitive youth teams, eventually captaining her squad. Earlier this year, Boyd began her third season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), after a stint with the Ottawa Charge and her recent trade to the Boston Fleet.
Boyd has become known not just for her skill on the ice, but also for her warm, vibrant energy. Her journey has been powered by a strong support network, including her father Jim, her best friend Kristin Della Rovere, and Kristin’s mother, Elizabeth Dimovski.
A Second Mother
Following her mother’s accident, Elizabeth Dimovski stepped into a nurturing role for Boyd. She helped ensure that Boyd remained connected to her mother's legacy, sharing stories and keeping the memory of who Tammy was alive. "She wanted to make sure that I knew what a good person my mom was," Boyd said. "Elizabeth was just such a great outlet for that."
Boyd's childhood friendship with Della Rovere was deeply intertwined with their mutual love for hockey. Their dedication to the sport, coupled with the support of family and coaches, propelled Boyd into notable achievements, including representing Team Canada at the U18 World Championships in 2018, where the team earned a bronze medal.
Coming Out and Growing
Boyd's personal growth was equally significant off the ice. During her time at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, she came out, supported by her seven queer teammates who offered a safe space for self-discovery. "They made me feel like it was OK to figure it out," Boyd shared. "Once I did, I knew there was no going back."
Her college years were marked by success, including career highs in assists and co-captaining her team. Boyd even had the opportunity to face off against Della Rovere at the iconic Frozen Fenway game in 2023. After graduating, Boyd transitioned to professional hockey, signing with the Boston Pride in 2023.
Rising in the PWHL
Boyd's journey in professional hockey has been eventful. She experienced the uncertainty of the Boston Pride's league folding, only to find new opportunities as she was drafted by the Ottawa Charge in the PWHL's inaugural season. Reuniting with Della Rovere on the team added a special dimension to her professional career.
Recently traded to the Boston Fleet, Boyd has embraced her new city with enthusiasm. "It’s a great, great city, great people, great hockey," she noted. Her time in Boston marks another chapter in her promising career, filled with potential and backed by the unwavering support of her family and friends.
Boyd's story is a testament to resilience and the power of community. With a podcast titled "No Straight Answers with Zoe Boyd," she continues to celebrate her identity and experiences, connecting with others over shared stories and laughter.
As she embarks on another season, Boyd remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, illustrating that with love and determination, anything is possible.
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