Isobel Gathorne-Hardy

Lady Isobel Constance Mary Gathorne-Hardy (née Stanley; 2 September 1875 – 30 December 1963) was a British courtier known for her involvement in the early development of ice hockey in Canada. She was born in 1875 as the second-youngest of ten children of Frederick Stanley, 16th Earl of Derby and Governor General of Canada, and Lady Constance Villiers. Her family background included notable figures in British aristocracy and governance. Two of her siblings died before her birth: Geoffrey, who was a twin to Arthur, passed away on 16 March 1871, and an elder sister, Katherine Mary, died in October 1871.

Lady Isobel Stanley was raised in an environment marked by active involvement in sports and social life, with seven brothers contributing to her experience. She married in 1897 to General Sir (John) Francis Gathorne-Hardy, a younger son of John Gathorne-Hardy, 2nd Earl of Cranbrook, and Cicely Ridgway. Upon marriage, she retained her aristocratic title and adopted the family name Gathorne-Hardy, becoming Lady Gathorne-Hardy. The couple had one daughter, Elizabeth Constance Mary Gathorne-Hardy, born in 1904 and deceased in 1953.

During her lifetime, Lady Gathorne-Hardy served as a Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Mary from 1914 to 1920. Her service to the royal family was recognized in 1945 when King George VI appointed her Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

Her interest in ice hockey was influenced by her family’s enthusiasm for the sport. Her father, Frederick Stanley, was instrumental in creating the Stanley Cup, which remains one of the sport's most esteemed trophies. Lady Isobel played hockey herself during her time in Canada, notably participating on the outdoor rink at Rideau Hall. Following the opening of the Rideau Skating Rink, she organized one of the earliest recorded women's hockey games in 1890.

Lady Gathorne-Hardy's contributions to women's ice hockey have been commemorated through the naming of the Isobel Gathorne-Hardy Award by Hockey Canada. This award recognizes active female players at any level who exemplify leadership, values, and traits associated with female athletes.

In honor of her pioneering role in women’s ice hockey, the championship trophy of the Premier Hockey Federation is named the Isobel Cup.