HER Coaching Network
Driving Female Coaches to the Next Level
Women’s ice hockey is living through a boom period when players, teams, leagues are breaking every imaginable glass ceiling. Female coaches are at the same time still largely unnoticed, underappreciated and in the background.
The IIHF is dedicated to driving change and, through HER Coaching Network, aims to empower current and future generations of female coaches, fostering their growth into prominent roles, achieving greater success, and advancing parity within our sport.
Women’s ice hockey is living through a boom period when players, teams, leagues are breaking every imaginable glass ceiling. Female coaches are at the same time still largely unnoticed, underappreciated and in the background.
The IIHF is dedicated to driving change and, through HER Coaching Network, aims to empower current and future generations of female coaches, fostering their growth into prominent roles, achieving greater success, and advancing parity within our sport.
"There are lot of female hockey players who are interested in coaching or have already started coaching. For me the support I received from other coaches and colleagues in my early coaching years was a huge factor in choosing coaching as a career path. When there’s someone you can share your thoughts with and ask questions, it gives you confidence and motivation to learn more."
Saara Niemi, Finland, Head Coach of HIFK , Team Finland Assistant Coach
Olympic bronze medalist
UMB Bulldogs Alumni, Bachelor of sport sciences, Women Taking a Responsibility in Coaching – network in Finland
Creating a community for support, growth and mentorship is the Network’s mission where members can communicate in non-restricted ways with each other through private, safe channels.
HER Coaching Network will operate through the Signal messaging platform and will be free for all members to use. Members will need to consent to sharing their personal data with the IIHF for verification reasons, however no personal data will be shared on the platform unless members decide to make their contact information public.
HER Coaching Network will operate through the Signal messaging platform and will be free for all members to use. Members will need to consent to sharing their personal data with the IIHF for verification reasons, however no personal data will be shared on the platform unless members decide to make their contact information public.
"The creation of HER Coaching Network by the IIHF is a pivotal step for the game of hockey. Investing in women to grow the game from all aspects continues to be a critical next step for the sport. Coaching has proven to be a challenging and rewarding career choice for me and I love it. I was fortunate to have an impactful network around me, including Mel Davidson, who continue to help me navigate the different components of coaching. HER Coaching Network is going to provide similar resources for women looking to build their career in the game of hockey and I look forward to being a part of this network."
Carla MacLeod, Canada, Team Czechia Head Coach and Head Coach of Ottawa Charge
2x Olympic Champion, IIHF World Champion and triple silver medalist
2x World Championship bronze medalist head coach, Team Czechia
By clicking the link below and submitting your personal details, your membership request will be sent to the IIHF. After a verification process, you will receive an email confirming your membership. Please note that the Signal chat will go live during the 2025 Women’s Worlds, and you will receive a separate invitation to join the group. By registering, you'll gain access to exclusive HER content and updates leading up to the event. Additionally, the first 100 applicants will be entered into a draw for a chance to attend the official launch party!
"I am thankful for the coaches that helped me be a better player and shaped me as a person, thankful for the women going before me, I have seen it and therefore believe I can be it. With my experience and knowledge I believe it is my job to help young players reach their potential, live their dream and grow as people. As a coach it is essential to have a strong network. My hope is that HER will help strengthen many more women as coaches."
Erika Holst, Sweden, Head Coach of Frölunda Hockey Club
Olympic silver and bronze medalist, Women’s Worlds bronze medalist
Member of the Swedish Hockey Hall of Fame and University of Minnesota Duluth Athletics Hall of Fame
”All time best Swedish forward”
HER Coaching Network will be launched at the 2025 WW in Ceske Budejovice, Czechia.
Let’s make it to a thousand members by April 2025!
Let’s make it to a thousand members by April 2025!
