Camryn Heon: Blazing a Trail on the Ice and the Runway During Hispanic Heritage Month
The NHL is currently celebrating Hispanic heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) with comprehensive coverage on NHL.com/es, highlighting the growing Latin American hockey community through player profiles, prospect spotlights, and stories of the sport’s expansion. This year, that celebration shines a light on Camryn Heon Díaz de León, a 19-year-old athlete who embodies a unique and inspiring story.
Born in El Paso, Texas, to a Mexican mother and Canadian father, Heon is quickly gaining recognition for her dual passions: competitive hockey and professional modeling. This combination, while unconventional, is proving to be a powerful force.
Heon’s journey began with her father, a Canadian hockey player who brought the sport to El Paso, first playing for the Buzzards and then helping to establish the Rhinos. “I’m from El Paso, Texas, and my dad came from Canada to Texas to play hockey with the Buzzards,” Heon explained in an interview with NHL.com/es. “Then my dad began to help start with the team of the Rhinos, and since I was little, I started skating, being on the track and then, obviously, I had to start playing hockey.”
Her talent didn’t go unnoticed. Around the age of 14 or 15, a Mexican national team scout visiting El Paso to organize men’s matches was struck by Heon’s skill. “He saw me training with my team and asked my dad, ‘Who is she? Is she Mexican?'”
Heon’s story is a testament to defying expectations and pursuing multiple passions, proudly representing her heritage while forging her own path in the world of hockey. her dedication and unique background make her a compelling figure during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.
