Former PWHL Toronto forward Brittany Howard is only entering her second season of retirement as a player, and she's already landed a university head coaching position.
Howard was named the new head coach at Western University in London, Ontario. The U Sports program hired Howard who spent last season as the head skills coach for the Pittsburgh Pens Elite girls program. She was more recently a guest coach at the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins' development camp.
"I'm incredibly excited. This is a program I've admired for years, and having the opportunity to lead it, especially at a University that's been a part of my life since childhood it is truly a privilege," said Howard in a school news release.
Howard grew up playing in London with the London Devilettes before her NCAA career with Robert Morris.
"After a nationwide search, the hiring committee is very pleased to welcome Brittany as our Mustang Women's Hockey Head Coach," said Christine Stapleton, Mustangs Director of Sports and Recreation. "Her mix of collegiate and professional playing experience, with her coaching accolades, made her a tremendous selection to lead our Women's program into the future."
"Western has always held a special place in my life, both of my parents are alumni, and I grew up knowing the strong traditions and pride that come with being part of this University," said Howard. "The chance to lead a program with such a rich history, in a place that already feels like home, was incredibly appealing. I'm passionate about building a team that excels on the ice, in the classroom, and in the community, and Western provides the perfect environment to make that happen."
As an athlete, Howard, 29, turned pro following her senior season at Robert Morris with the CWHL's Toronto Furies. Howard spent the next three seasons in the PWHPA before jumping to the PHF in 2022-23 winning an Isobel Cup with the Toronto Six. She was then selected by PWHL Toronto in the inaugural draft and played one season with Toronto before retiring to become a full-time coach.