Creating Coaches program expands for 2026-27 season

Twenty-two U SPORTS student-athletes have been selected to join the Creating Coaches program this year.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada and U SPORTS have announced this year’s incoming cohort of 22 student-athletes who will participate in the Creating Coaches program, which is designed to increase the number of women coaching hockey in Canada.

Launched in 2021 through a partnership between Hockey Canada, U SPORTS and the Hockey Canada Foundation, Creating Coaches provides opportunities for current U SPORTS women’s hockey players to receive training, mentorship, education and an honorarium as assistant coaches for U13, U15 or U18 girls’ hockey teams in their respective communities.

“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.”

The 22 student-athletes who will participate in the two-year program include representation from all four U SPORTS conferences:

• 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)

“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 Creating Coaches selection committee includes representation from Hockey Canada, U SPORTS, Hockey Canada’s Members and the Hockey Canada Foundation Board of Directors.

During National Coaches Week, Hockey Canada is celebrating the positive impact coaches have on athletes in communities from coast to coast to coast, with coaching resources and features shared here .

For more information on Hockey Canada and, please visit HockeyCanada.ca , or follow along via social media on Facebook , X, Instagram and TikTok.