Kristin Coulter Recognized with BFL Women in Coaching Award

The impact of a great coach lasts a lifetime. From building confidence and resilience to creating a sense of belonging, coaches shape not only athletes but people. That impact is exactly what the BFL Women in Coaching Award, presented by BFL Canada and Hockey Canada, aims to recognize each season.

In 2025 twenty-two women across the country were honoured for their outstanding work behind the bench including Kristin Coulter from Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association, recipient of the Community Coach Award.

For Coulter, the recognition came as a complete surprise.

“I wasn’t aware of the program, so being selected completely caught me off guard, in the best way,” she says. “Coaching children while raising my own is a busy, often chaotic season of life, and it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands and lose sight of the bigger picture. This recognition was a powerful reminder of why I coach.”

That “why” is rooted in a lifelong love of the game.

Growing up in a small Saskatchewan town, Coulter played on boys’, girls’, and mixed teams before finishing her career at the collegiate level with the Minot State Beavers. Even during her playing days, she felt pulled toward giving back, volunteering with CanSkate programs and stepping into assistant coaching roles while attending university. Her coaching journey continued through graduate school in Texas, then later at the U18 AAA level after returning to Canada.

After stepping away to raise her three children, Coulter returned to the rink three years ago, this time coaching her daughter and serving as a head coach the past two seasons.

“Coaching is the most meaningful way for me to connect with kids,” she says. “I love watching their confidence and love for the game grow. Whether it’s achieving a goal or learning to face adversity with grit and self-kindness.”

When she became a head coach, Coulter made a commitment to lead with intention. She identified core values and clearly shared them with players and families: empowerment, inclusivity, balance, and positive communication.

“I coach with the goal of helping girls believe in themselves,” she explains. “I want them to feel confident using their voices, trying new things, and taking risks without fear of failure. Mistakes are part of learning.”

Why Women Behind the Bench Matter

Coulter is passionate about the importance of representation in coaching especially in girls’ hockey.

“What players see directly shapes what they believe is possible,” she says. “When girls see women leading and teaching behind the bench, it normalizes their presence in hockey spaces.”

A Message to Future Women Coaches

For women and girls considering stepping into coaching, Coulter’s advice is simple: start.

“That first step is often the hardest,” she says. “It can feel intimidating, especially in spaces where you may not feel fully welcome at first. But if you stay grounded in your ‘why,’ coaching becomes one of the most rewarding journeys you can take.”

She credits her support system, including her husband, coaching friends, and a strong local network of female coaches, for helping her grow and persist. She also hopes to connect with a female coaching mentor as she continues developing in the sport.

“Having people to lean on, share ideas with, and work through challenges alongside is incredibly powerful.”

Nominate a Coach Making a Difference

There are women behind benches across Alberta and Canada making a lasting difference in their communities often without seeking recognition. The BFL Women in Coaching Award exists to change that.

If you know a female coach who is leading with purpose, building confidence, and creating positive experiences in the game, consider nominating them and helping shine a light on their impact.

Because great coaching doesn’t just build better players it builds stronger people.

https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/corporate/partnerships/programs/bfl-women-in-coaching

Female hockey continues to grow across the province and events like Female Hockey Day and HERitage Classic are continue shining spotlight on the athletes, coaches, and volunteers driving the game forward.

WATCH VIDEO HERE >

Recently, the Edmonton Female Hockey Alliance (EFHA) hosted Female Hockey Day, presented by ATB, which ran alongside the HERitage Female Classic Hockey Festival at The Meadows Hockey Arena. Female Hockey Day featured 115 players, from Try Hockey participants all the way up to U18 athletes, while the festival brought together 30 teams of girls, ranging from U9 to U18 (A & B levels). Both events gave young players the opportunity to showcase their skills, build confidence, and celebrate the sport they love.

“The more that you have these opportunities to showcase what is happening, it shows your city, that this is a really large area of sport that deserves resources, attention, and investment,” Amiee Skye, President of Edmonton Female Hockey Alliance. “The more we can do these kinds of activities; the more people can see the growth trajectory of female hockey”.

Syke emphasizes the importance of representation for young athletes:

“I’m a big believer that you become the things that you see yourself being able to do. So if you see people playing, if you see females playing, if you see female role models, you are much more likely to push into that sport and be in those roles somehow”.

By highlighting female athletes, coaches, and organizers, events like Female Hockey Day and the HERitage Female Classic are helping to create a stronger, more visible, and more supported female hockey community in Edmonton and across Alberta.

This year, 16 Minor Hockey Associations across the province received $1,000 grants to host Female Hockey Day events in their communities. Through the Every Kid Every Community grant program, initiatives like these continue to expand, opening doors, increasing access, and supporting the continued growth of the female game. All funds raised are courtesy of the Hockey Alberta Foundation.

Today’s Membership Monday serves as a reminder that investing in female hockey through participation, resources, and recognition is an investment in the future of the sport. Associations interested in hosting a Female Hockey Day next season are encouraged to connect with Hockey Alberta to learn more.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the coaching and support staff leading Team Alberta U16 Male at the 2027 Canada Winter Games, taking place in Quebec City, Quebec.

ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO >

James Poole has been named Head Coach of the team. Joining Poole on the bench are Assistant Coaches Ryan Allen and Jack Redlick, along with Goaltending Coach Theo Zubot and Video Coach Justin Ostertag.

“We are extremely excited for the 2027 Canada Winter Games and to go through the entire process with such a talented staff,” said Michael Kraichy, Director of Hockey Operations for Hockey Alberta. “The majority of this group is returning; they have a history of working together, and we have a great deal of trust in their collective experience and ability to lead our athletes.”

Additional members of the Team Alberta U16 Male staff include Therapist Matt Goertzen, Equipment Manager Dave Campbell, Head Scout Bobby Fox, Coach Mentor Barry Medori, and Director of Hockey Operations Michael Kraichy.

Team Alberta U16 Male – 2027 Canada Winter Games Staff

Poole returns to Team Alberta for the fourth time as a member of the U16 male coaching staff. Most recently, he served as Head Coach at the 2023 WHL Cup, and has also coached within the Alberta Cup program. Poole is currently the Head Coach of the Edge U15 Prep team in the CSSHL.

Allen joins Team Alberta U16 Male for the fourth time as a member of the coaching staff. He most recently served as an Assistant Coach at the 2025 WHL Cup, and has coached and mentored within the Alberta Cup program. Allen is currently the Head Coach of the GPAC U18 AAA program in the AEHL.

Redlick returns for his second stint with the Team Alberta U16 coaching staff. He most recently served as an Assistant Coach at the 2025 WHL Cup, has coached within the Alberta Cup program, and currently serves as an Assistant Coach with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL.

Ostertag joins Team Alberta U16 Male for the second time, most recently serving as Video Coach at the 2025 WHL Cup. He has also coached within the Alberta Cup program and is currently the Head Coach of the Calgary Flames U18 AAA team in the AEHL.

Zubot will serve as Goaltending Coach for the third time with Team Alberta U16 Male. He is currently the Goalie Coach for the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL.

Goertzen returns for his second season with the Team Alberta U16 program and currently works as a Physiotherapist with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL.

Campbell returns for his eighth time as a member of the Team Alberta U16 staff and currently serves as a Mentor Trainer with Hockey Alberta.

Fox joins the staff for the 11th time with Team Alberta U16, including three seasons as a coach and eight as Head Scout. He is currently the Assistant General Manager of the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL.

The 2027 Canada Winter Games runs from February 27 – March 14 in Quebec City, bringing together the top U16 male athletes from across the country.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the coaching and support staff that will lead Team Alberta U18 Female from behind the bench at the 2027 Canada Winter Games, taking place in Quebec City, Quebec.

Announcement Video >

Craig Perrett has been named Head Coach of the team. Joining Perrett on the bench are Assistant Coaches Izzy Cropper and Erin O’Toole, along with Goaltending Coach Jamond Cardinal.

“We are extremely excited about the staff we’ve assembled for the 2027 Canada Winter Games,” said Michael Kraichy, Director of Hockey Operations for Hockey Alberta. “We are confident this group will provide a strong development environment and help position our athletes for success at the Games.”

Additional members of the Team Alberta U18 Female staff include Athletic Therapist Megan Sehn, Equipment Manager Brady Park, Coach Mentor Rob Dawson, and Director of Hockey Operations Michael Kraichy.

Perrett returns to Team Alberta for the fourth time as a member of the U18 female coaching staff. Most recently, he served as an Assistant Coach at the 2025 U18 National Championships and has previously contributed as a mentor within the Alberta Challenge. Perrett was also part of the coaching staff that captured gold at the 2019 Canada Winter Games. He currently serves as Director of Hockey Operations with the Calgary Fire.

Cropper is making her first appearance on the Team Alberta U18 coaching staff in 2027. She has previously coached at the Alberta Challenge and is currently an Assistant Coach with Grant MacEwan University in U SPORTS.

O’Toole joins the staff for her third stint with Team Alberta U18 Female. She most recently served as an Assistant Coach at the 2024 U18 National Championships, has previously coached at the Alberta Challenge and is currently the Head Coach of the Southern Express U18 AA program in the Alberta Female Hockey League.

Cardinal is serving as Goaltending Coach for the second time with Team Alberta. He was part of the staff at the 2025 U18 National Championships and currently works as Goalie Coach for the University of Alberta Pandas.

Sehn returns for her second season with the Team Alberta U18 program and currently serves as Therapist for the Southeast Tigers U17 AAA of the AEHL. Park also joins the staff for the second time and is currently the Trainer for the Red Deer U18 AAA program in the AEHL.

The 2027 Canada Winter Games takes place from February 27 – March 14 in Quebec City, bringing together the top U18 female athletes from across the country.

RED DEER – The 2^nd Pickleball FUNdraiser Corporate Charity Challenge presented by IG Private Wealth Management Giesbrecht & Associates served up another successful day of competition, community, and giving back, raising $39,000 in support of the Hockey Alberta Foundation and Outreach Centre.

With 24 courts in action and just under 100 teams participating, this year’s event continued to grow in both size and impact, bringing together businesses, partners, and community members for a unique fundraising experience built around fun and friendly competition.

“This is a unique event that a number of different businesses can get behind and get involved in,” said Dustin Moore, Business Development at MNP.

The goal of this tournament was designed to have a community focused touch in January that brings people together during the winter months, providing a fresh alternative to the traditional golf tournament format.

“I wanted it to be different,” said Nathan Giesbrecht, Executive Financial Consultant for IG Private Wealth Management Giesbrecht & Associates. “I didn’t want to just write a cheque to have our name on a billboard. It was more about of getting involved and giving back”.

“The success of this year’s tournament exceeded expectations,” said Michelle Skilnick, Manager of Foundation and Events, Hockey Alberta. “A huge thank you to everyone who contributed, your support helped us grow our corporate partnerships and raise even more for the Hockey Alberta Foundation and the Outreach Centre in our second year”.

Thank you to all sponsors and partners who helped make this year’s tournament a success and to everyone who stepped onto the court in support of the cause. The impact of this event will be felt across communities throughout the season ahead.

RED DEER – Hockey Alberta and the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Committee (AHHF) are proud to announce the 2026 Induction Class, a group that reflects the depth, diversity, and lasting influence of hockey excellence across the province.

The 2026 AHHF Induction Gala will be held Saturday, July 18 at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre in Red Deer.

The Class of 2026 represents excellence on the ice, leadership behind the scenes, and a commitment to growing the game at every level. From elite professional and international success to grassroots development and team achievement, each inductee has left an indelible mark on Alberta hockey and inspired generations of players, coaches, officials, and fans.

The 2026 inductees are:

1. Colin Patterson – Patterson played 10 seasons in the National Hockey League. As an undrafted player, he signed as a free agent with the Calgary Flames in 1983. A defensive specialist, he played eight years with the Flames and was a member of their 1989 Stanley Cup championship team.
2. Paul Coffey – Coffey was drafted sixth overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. In the Oilers’ first Stanley Cup–winning season (1983–84), he became only the second defenceman in NHL history to score 40 goals in a season and added 86 assists to finish second in league scoring. Known for his speed and scoring prowess, Coffey ranks second all-time among NHL defencemen in goals, assists, and points.
3. Meaghan Mikkelson – Mikkelson is a two-time Olympic gold medallist, winning gold at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, along with a silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics. The graduate of the Team Alberta program has been widely recognized for her leadership and contributions to women’s hockey.
4. Bruce MacGregor – MacGregor played for the Edmonton Oilers and went on to win five Stanley Cups with the organization as assistant general manager, contributing significantly to their success during the 1980s. He was also a member of Team Canada during the 1974 Summit Series.
5. Randy Mitton and Thomas “Swede” Knox – Knox was an NHL linesman from 1972-2000, officiating in five Stanley Cup Finals and one NHL All-Star Game. He retired with a total of 2,248 NHL games officiated. Mitton officiated in the NHL from 1972 -2004, working the 1994 Stanley Cup Final and two NHL All-Star Games. He retired with 2,109 regular-season games and 156 playoff games. When the Edmonton Oilers joined the NHL for the 1979–80 season, Knox and Mitton relocated to Alberta and worked together as a tandem for games across Western Canada.
6. Randy and Mike Moller – Mike Moller was drafted in the second round of the 1980 NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres and went on to play for both the Sabres and Edmonton Oilers. He is also remembered for scoring the gold medal–winning goal at the 1982 World Junior Championship. His brother, Randy, was drafted in the first round by the Quebec Nordiques in 1981 and played primarily for the Nordiques, along with the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres, and Florida Panthers. Randy is also known for his colourful commentary style, often incorporating pop culture references during his work as a colour commentator for the Florida Panthers.
7. 2011–12 and 2012–13 Red Deer Midget AAA Optimist Chiefs – The 2011–12 and 2012–13 Red Deer Optimist Chiefs cemented a dynasty, winning back-to-back TELUS Cups as Canada’s top U18 AAA team. Those national titles also marked the third and fourth of five consecutive provincial championships for the Red Deer U18 AAA program.

Perry Cavanagh will also be honored with the Robert Clark Legacy Award at the 2026 AHHF Induction Gala.

Inductee Video >

“Each year brings a new chance to honour the people who have shaped hockey in Alberta,” said Al Coates, Chairman of the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame Committee. “This year’s inductees represent an exceptional group whose contributions and accomplishments continue to influence the game.”

In addition to celebrating this outstanding class, the AHHF is pleased to announce an exciting new chapter in its future – it is moving to a new home at the Gary W. Harris Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic, the home of Hockey Alberta. This move strengthens the AHHF’s connection to the provincial hockey community, enhances opportunities for storytelling and engagement, and ensures the continued preservation and celebration of Alberta’s rich hockey legacy.

Ticket information will be available in the coming weeks for the 2026 Induction Gala on the new AHHF website, ahhf.ca.

For sponsorship opportunities or to get involved with the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame, please contact Alyson Chambers, Senior Manager, Marketing today. Your support plays a vital role in celebrating the people and moments that have shaped hockey in Alberta — now and for generations to come.