Canada’s Women’s Hockey Program Faces Leadership Shift After Olympic Silver
MILAN, ITALY – A new era is dawning for the Canadian Women’s National Hockey Team following a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to the United States in the Olympic final. Head coach Troy Ryan has signaled his intention to step down, opening the door for a new bench boss ahead of the 2026 Women’s World Championship in Denmark. General Manager Gina Kingsbury’s contract also expires this spring, adding further uncertainty to the program’s leadership structure. Hockey Canada officials have stated they will begin discussions with both Ryan and Kingsbury “sooner than later” to determine the future direction of the team, acknowledging both have been instrumental in recent successes including a gold medal in 2022 and three World Championship titles. Potential candidates to replace Ryan include current assistants Kori Cheverie and Caroline Ouellette, both of whom have extensive experience with the national program. The arrival of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has altered traditional preparation methods, with all 23 Olympic team members currently playing in the league, prompting Hockey Canada to evaluate whether a PWHL coach is the best fit for the national team role.
Canada’s Women’s Hockey Program Faces Crossroads After Olympic Silver
Canada’s national women’s hockey team is bracing for significant change following a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to the United States in the Olympic final. Head coach Troy Ryan has signaled his intention to step down, opening the door for a new era in Canadian women’s hockey.
Ryan’s Departure and Potential Successors
Troy Ryan, who has led the team for six seasons, believes it’s “time for someone else to run with it and accept it to new heights.” Ryan’s contract with Hockey Canada expires this spring, and he anticipates a transition in leadership.
Several candidates are emerging as potential replacements, with Kori Cheverie and Caroline Ouellette leading the pack. Cheverie, 38, has served as Ryan’s assistant for six years, gaining valuable experience on the international stage. Ouellette, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, has been a Canadian assistant coach six times since 2019, bringing a wealth of playing and coaching knowledge. Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada’s senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations, acknowledged their experience gives them a “leg up” in the search.
Pro Tip: Successful coaching transitions often prioritize continuity. Cheverie and Ouellette’s existing relationships with players could be a significant advantage.
Kingsbury’s Future Too Uncertain
The future of Gina Kingsbury, the team’s general manager, is also up in the air. Her contract also expires this spring, and she remains open to continuing in a role with Hockey Canada, provided the “plan/vision” aligns with her goals. However, she understands a new direction may not include her, and she’s prepared to support the program regardless.
Kingsbury initially left Hockey Canada in 2023 to become the first GM of the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Toronto Sceptres, but returned to manage the women’s team through the 2026 Olympics.
The Impact of the PWHL
The arrival of the PWHL has fundamentally altered the landscape of Canadian women’s hockey preparation. Unlike previous years where players centralized for months, the 2026 Olympic team consisted entirely of PWHL players who competed in the league throughout the season.
This new model presents both challenges and opportunities. Salmond noted the need to evaluate whether having a PWHL coach at the helm of the national team is the best approach, acknowledging that the question requires careful consideration.
Did you know? All 23 women on Canada’s Olympic roster played in the PWHL, marking a significant shift in player preparation.
A Legacy of Success
Under Ryan and Kingsbury’s leadership, Canada’s women’s team achieved considerable success, winning Olympic gold in 2022 and world championships in 2021, 2022, and 2024. However, they fell short against their American rivals in the 2026 Olympics and the 2023 and 2025 world championships.
Salmond emphasized that both Ryan and Kingsbury will be involved in shaping the program’s future, recognizing their experience and dedication. He stated the immediate focus is on evaluating players in the PWHL playoffs and developing a plan for the next four years, with a particular emphasis on preparation for the November world championships.
FAQ
Q: Will Troy Ryan coach the Canadian women’s team at the world championships?
A: Ryan has indicated he does not believe so, though he hasn’t ruled it out entirely.
Q: Is Gina Kingsbury likely to remain as general manager?
A: Her future is uncertain, and she is open to continuing if the vision for the program aligns with her goals.
Q: Who are the frontrunners to replace Troy Ryan as head coach?
A: Kori Cheverie and Caroline Ouellette are considered top candidates due to their experience with the national team.
Don’t miss out on the latest hockey news and analysis! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for updates.