22 U SPORTS women's hockey will join Hockey Canada's Creating Coaches program this season.
Hockey Canada has expanded their partnership with U SPORTS welcoming 22 new student-athletes to participating in the Creating Coaches program, which according to Hockey Canada "is designed to increase the number of women coaching hockey in Canada."
The 22 U SPORTS women's hockey players will receive training, mentorship, and education opportunities, as well as an honorarium to serve as an assistant coach at the U-13, U-15, or U-18 level in their community.
“As women’s and girls’ hockey in Canada continues to set participation records each season, expanding the Creating Coaches program is an important milestone to increase the number of women behind the bench and connect more girls in communities across the country with mentors who continue to compete in U SPORTS hockey,” said Marin Hickox, vice-president of women’s and girls’ hockey for Hockey Canada.
“This program would not be possible without the generous financial support of the Hockey Canada Foundation, and we look forward to welcoming these 22 incredible women to Creating Coaches and supporting them throughout their coaching journey.”
Former U SPORTS Rookie of the Year, Player of the Year, and national champion Gabrielle Santerre, who plays for Bishop's University, headlines the group.
“Creating Coaches gives U SPORTS student-athletes a meaningful opportunity to develop as leaders while helping to shape the next generation of players,” said Pierre Arsenault, chief executive officer of U SPORTS. “We are proud to continue working with Hockey Canada and the Hockey Canada Foundation to expand pathways for women in coaching and strengthen the future of the game across Canada.”
The 22 student-athletes who will participate in the two-year program include:
- Mackenzie Beggs (Saint Mary’s University, AUS)
- Sienna Bullen (Queen’s University, OUA)
- Jacquelyne Chief (University of Saskatchewan, CW)
- MJ English (St. Thomas University, AUS)
- Grace Glover (University of Alberta, CW)
- Dana Goertzen (University of Manitoba, CW)
- Valérie Haché (Université de Moncton, AUS)
- Lindsey Johnson (MacEwan University, CW)
- Elizabeth Laberge (Nipissing University, OUA)
- Dallis Mackenzie (Mount Allison University, AUS)
- Makayla Mailhot (University of Windsor, OUA)
- Anya Misner (Carleton University, OUA)
- Alexie Olivier (University of Guelph, OUA)
- Camille Richard (Concordia University, RSEQ)
- Rachel Richards (University of Prince Edward Island, AUS)
- Juliette Rolland (Université de Montréal, RSEQ)
- Gabrielle Santerre (Bishop’s University, RSEQ)
- Jenn Shaw (Mount Royal University, CW)
- Tessa Stewart (University of Regina, CW)
- Robyn Storey (Ontario Tech University, OUA)
- Emma Wedgewood (York University, OUA)
- Kara Yackel (Trinity Western University, CW)
