the 1990 women's world cup succeeded in creating media coverage that was lacking for the women's game. costello says it was partially due to the decision to wear pink jerseys, but he was prouder to have showcased the talent in the women's game to the international olympic committee. the championship game of the event drew over 9,500 fans, and the winning goal by geraldine heaney, was highlighted as one of the best 10 goals of the year by hockey night in canada. the event's success helped the introduction of the women's game into the 1998 winter olympics. as of 2013, registration grew to roughly 90,000 canadian women. while with the iihf, costello promised $2 million to help promote women's hockey worldwide at the 2010 world hockey summit. costello is credited with growing the game worldwide, and specifically in the united states. he facilitated the spread of knowledge and ideas for ice hockey, and collaborated with usa hockey on coaching education. he was honoured with the wayne gretzky international award in 2012, which was established by the united states hockey hall of fame, for international individuals that made major contributions to the growth and advancement of hockey in the united states.