KINGSTON, Ont. (February 13, 2025) – During Friday night's game against the Ottawa Gee-Gees, Queen's Women's Hockey took a moment to honour Gaels captain, Charlotte Melindy, who was presented with the Kingston Red Baron Award, a recognition given to a graduating player who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment both on and off the ice.
 
The Kingston Red Baron Award was established to honor the legacy of the Kingston Red Barons, a pioneering women's hockey team founded in 1969. The team was initiated by Catherine "Cookie" Cartwright during her freshman year at Queen's University, marking a significant moment in the history of women's ice hockey in Kingston.
 
This year's award was presented by Janean Sergeant, and Diana Drury, both former members of the Red Barons and current board members of the Original Hockey Hall of Fame.
 
The fifth year from Whitby, Ont. has been a driving force in fostering inclusivity within the athletics community as the founder of the Queer and Gender-Diverse Student Athletes Association at Queen's to create a safe and supportive space for the LGBTQ2S+ student-athletes.
 
Beyond their contributions at Queen's, Melindy has been deeply engaged in community outreach. Charlotte has led fundraising initiatives for Bleed the North, an organization dedicated to menstrual equity and has mentored and coached young athletes through the Hockey Canada Creating Coaches Female Mentorship Program with the Kingston Ice Wolves.
 
Melindy's dedication to giving back and uplifting others exemplifies the values of the Red Baron Award and leaves behind a legacy of leadership and advocacy at Queen's.