Hilda Ranscombe

Hilda Ranscombe was regarded as the heart and soul of the Preston Rivulettes, the women’s ice hockey team that won six Dominion Championships in the 1930s. Playing Right Wing, Hilda Ranscombe’s skills dominated the sport. During their heyday, the Rivulettes won an estimated 350 games against only 2 losses and one tie. Scoring data has not been saved, but

Ranscombe was by far the top scorer, becoming a legend in her time. Hilda was an all-round athlete, excelling in softball, tennis and ice hockey.

A Toronto sportswriter described Hilda as “having dazzling speed, look invincible with the puck and stick, has really gone places in every hockey contest played, [and] is an instinctive performer.” She was twice finalist as Canada’s Female Athlete of the Year.

Photograph Courtesy of Waterloo Region Museum.