Draper to Continue as Special Advisor with PWHL New York while returning to University of Alberta as Head Coach of Women’s Hockey
NEW YORK and TORONTO (May 11, 2024) – PWHL New York and Head Coach Howie Draper have mutually agreed to a coaching change. Draper, who began his role in September 2023, will return to his position as Head Coach of the women’s hockey program at the University of Alberta, where he previously spent 26 seasons, amassing 667 wins and becoming the winningest coach in U SPORTS women's hockey history. Additionally, while leading the team at Alberta, Draper will continue his involvement with PWHL New York as a Special Advisor, supporting the scouting department.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to know Howie both personally and as a coach,” said Pascal Daoust, General Manager of PWHL New York. “His contributions will forever be a part of this team’s foundation, and I feel privileged to have worked alongside him. We wish him the best as he returns to Alberta, where he built a powerhouse program that will define his legacy in women’s hockey and develop the future players of our league. I’m proud to know that he’s still part of our PWHL New York family as a Special Advisor within our scouting department.”
Jayna Hefford, PWHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations, added, “I would like to thank Howie for helping us launch the PWHL. We appreciate all the hard work he invested in building our New York team and as we continue to build, his contributions will remain a part of our growth. I have tremendous respect for Howie’s accomplishments in women’s hockey, which has only grown as I’ve observed the perseverance and positive approach he brings to his role daily. I am excited to see him continue to break records upon his return to Alberta.”
“I’ve been blessed to have been a part of PWHL New York this past season,” said Draper. “It was an honor to have worked alongside this outstanding group of staff and athletes. I look forward to the opportunity to remain involved in the continuing growth of the program.”