Joanne Long

Joanne Long is a Canadian veteran, proud mother, grandmother, and advocate from Nova Scotia. After serving her country, Joanne devoted herself to her family. Her son, Tyler—affectionately known throughout the hockey world as "Big W Tyler"—would ultimately inspire the story she was meant to share.

Living with Down syndrome, Tyler faced challenges and low expectations from an early age. While the world often focused on his limitations, Joanne always believed his potential was far greater. When a simple volunteer opportunity with the Halifax Mooseheads hockey club grew into a life-changing journey of friendship, community, and belonging, she knew Tyler's story had to be shared.

Big W Tyler: Winning Where It Matters Most is Joanne's debut book. Written from a mother's heart, it chronicles Tyler's extraordinary journey and celebrates the people who believed in him along the way. More than a story about hockey, it is a testament to inclusion, resilience, unconditional support, and the extraordinary impact one person can have on an entire community.

When she isn't writing or celebrating Tyler's milestones, Joanne enjoys connecting with readers on social media, sharing updates from the rink, and encouraging families around the world to see the endless possibilities in their own journeys.