New Book Explores the Lost Story of Albertine Lapensée

Cornwall Ontario – A chapter of Cornwall’s history is profiled in The Miracle Maid, the latest book by local author Thom Racine.

The book delves into the incredible untold story of Albertine Lapensée, popularly known as Canada’s first female hockey superstar.

“Albertine was a 17 year-old girl from the East End of Cornwall who scored 128 goals in 28 games over 2 years for the Cornwall Victorias,” says Mr. Racine. “Her prowess, determination and skill thrilled thousands of war-weary Canadians during World War I. And then, on the same day the Canadians stormed Vimy Ridge, Albertine disappeared, never to be heard from again. It is a mystery that has stood for over a century, and one that I was determined to uncover.”

In writing The Miracle Maid, Mr. Racine digs deep into history, utilizing historical records to follow the life of a skilled teenage hockey player who long ago was considered a professional and who really was a trailblazer for the women’s game as we know it today. Mr. Racine, who is a long-time historian, sports enthusiast and author of two other historical biographies, felt the time was right to tell Albertine’s story.

“Here is a story of an incredible athlete who accomplished extraordinary things, but there really was no proper record of her life,” says Mr. Racine. “What little I knew of Albertine made me want to learn more, and the more I learned, the more I knew it was a story that others needed to hear.”

The 289-page book features a number of photographs and images scoured from historical archives. It is available for purchase at select stores including Life’s Little Pleasures and Red Cart Books in Cornwall.

About Thom Racine

A former sergeant with the Cornwall Police Service, Thom Racine is the author of two previous books. His first book, Constable Davey – A Future Lost, uncovered a tragic story of murder that was lost to history. His second book, Moe the Toe – Never My Dream, explores one family’s journey while living through the greatest era of the Canadian Football League. He resides in Cornwall with his wife Karen and is a board member of the Cornwall Sports Hall of Fame.

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