Karen Ota-O Brien grew up with an incredible work ethic, living on a cattle ranch in 100 Mile House, British Columbia, about 300 miles from Vancouver. She was also average; a B student, C-plus in physical education, benchwarmer on the travel softball team and perennial runner-up at the Little Britches Rodeo.
The 39-year-old Detroit native is ambassador for the Detroit Red Wings Learn, Play, Score, a program launched in 2020 that focuses on lowering systemic barriers by providing equitable access to hockey in various forms to children across the city. It includes street hockey within the physical education curriculum for all schools from kindergarten through eighth grade.