'Hockey mom' Katherine Henderson eager to take on challenge as new leader of Hockey Canada

Katherine Henderson understands there are going to be challenges ahead as Hockey Canada's new president and CEO, but says she's ready to meet the moment and lead the organization in a new direction through her experience in business, sport and having been a hockey mom for years.

Henderson's appointment was announced Tuesday. She spent the past seven years as CEO of Curling Canada.

"I can't comment on what's going on at Hockey [Canada] right now, but I know I'm going to a place with a really great and committed board," she told CBC Sports. "I have a very long personal experience with hockey that's gone over my whole life as quite an intense hockey mom.

"I spent four or five nights a week at the Don Montgomery Arena watching the Scarborough Ice Raiders. It's brought a lot of joy to my life as well. So I'm really excited about where I'm going."

Hockey Canada has been heavily scrutinized for more than a year over a number of issues. Restoring and rebuilding trust in a Canadian institution and pastime is now the challenge facing Henderson and she isn't shying away from it. 

"I'm really looking forward to working with the board and looking forward to working with the stakeholders and sponsors," she said.  "They've got member associations very similar to curling, so that will be great. We can talk in a while after we've seen what kind of impact I make there."

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Many prominent sport leaders across the country have taken to social media this week congratulating and complimenting Henderson on her new role, saying she's perfectly suited for the job. 

"It's daunting when people say that," she said. "I'm really excited about where I'm going. I've had the opportunity now to meet