[18] Sunohara also played in the Central Ontario Women's Hockey League with the Scarborough Firefighters (1990–1994), Toronto Red Wings (1994–1996), and the Newtonbrook Panthers (1996–97).

[22][23] Sunohara is credited with helping to expand the popularity of women's ice hockey, having trained and mentored many young girls in the sport.

In 2022, Sunohara was an assistant coach on Canada’s under-18 women’s ice hockey team,[24] which won gold at the world championships.

[26] In 2011, Sunohara was named head coach of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's ice hockey team.

She believes in instilling "Olympic values," like integrity, accountability, and commitment and endeavors to mold her team members into not just better players but better people.

[30] Well known for her affable manner and engaging personality, Sunohara has been described as "one of the nicest people in all of hockey," while at the same time being a focused and intense competitor.

"[33] About Sunohara, Sami Jo Small, another former Team Canada teammate, said: I have had the privilege of playing with some pretty amazing people but none have struck me as born leaders like Vicky Sunohara...She rallies the troops in desperate times and tells funny jokes when the pressure is mounting...She's always there for her teammates and always willing to do whatever it takes to win.

"[33] In 2009, David Miller, then Mayor of Toronto, remarked: Not only is Vicky one of Canada's elite female athletes, she is a Torontonian and the granddaughter of immigrants representing the city's diversity which is one of our most important strengths.

Vicky is well respected in our community and has worked tirelessly to help the youth of Toronto -- especially young girls -- develop their skills and fulfill their dreams.

[34] Sunohara was inducted into the City of Brampton Sports Hall of Fame, alongside national team teammates Jayna Hefford and Sami Jo Small.

[46] In 2019, Sunohara was appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, a Primary Reserve regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces, based in Toronto.

According to Regimental Sergeant Major Donovan O’Halloran, Sunohara was a “natural choice” for this appointment, commenting:Vicky is a leader in our community on several levels.

She is a role model for the pursuit of excellence, she has achieved the highest measure of success in her sport and she continues to serve her community through coaching, mentoring and volunteering.

[31][50] Sunohara's grandparents grew up in Japan; they moved to Ontario from BC after being released from World War II internment camps in that province.

Sunohara and the other honourees were described as “some of the greatest female hockey players Canada has ever produced,” with their “legacies as trailblazers for the women’s game” having been well documented.

[10] Sunohara makes frequent appearances as a guest speaker and donates a considerable amount of time to charitable and community organizations.

[55] In 2010, Sunohara was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Canadian Sport Centre Ontario (CSCO), a non-profit organization committed to assisting high-performance athletes and coaches achieve excellence in international competition.