The world is swiftly moving towards a more equal, diverse, and inclusive environment in all spheres of life. Be it personal or professional, people are constantly asking to be recognized. Marginalized communities are constantly fighting for their place at the table. When it comes to sports, undoubtedly, women have been marginalized. However, the NHL is actively trying to change this fact.

It is extremely rare to see female coaches in any given sport. If there are any, they are the exception, not the rule. However, the National Hockey League Coaches’ Association, or the NHLCA, has come up with a program specifically aimed to combat this issue in the league.

NHL forms a special initiative for female coaches

Women are making incredible advances in the hockey world. While their participation is present, appreciation and recognition can be lacking at times. This has prompted Lindsay Artkin, the president of the NHLCA to come up with an initiative that aims to ensure that these women of the NHL get their due. recently, through an Instagram post, NHLCA paid tribute to these hardworking women, with the caption, “These women broke barriers to claim their coaching roles in North American men’s hockey across the @nhl, @theahl, @echlhockey, @nahlhockey, @ushl and @hockeycanada.”

The NHL Coaches’ Association’s Female Coaches Development Program is the brainchild of Lindsay Artkin. Its main goal is to diversify the coaching pipeline and to make sure, as budding next-generation female coaches, these women have all the resources and support they need to confirm their spot in the league. The program assists women in several areas including skills development, leadership strategies, communication tactics, networking, and career advancement opportunities.

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Simply put, the program is a support system. The initiative was announced in 2020 on International Women’s Day. The program is solving the problem at the root, ensuring that the pool of hockey coaches is more diversified. The NHL community has come forward to praise the steps taken by the NHLCA.

Fans praise NHLCA’s initiative

When the Instagram post started to circulate, fans did not hold back on their support in favor of the program. One fan summarized the situation very aptly, saying, “It’s inspiring to see these women breaking barriers and paving the way for more diversity in coaching roles in men’s hockey. It’s important to recognize the talent and qualifications of individuals regardless of gender and provide equal opportunities for everyone to succeed.” 

Programs like these are definitely key to encouraging more women to take up sports as a career. This year’s NHLCA Coach Spotlight included Emily Engel-Natzke, who is a video coordinator for the Washington Capitals, Jessica Campbell who is an assistant coach, Alyssa Gagliardi, who is a skills coach and an assistant coach, Kim Weiss, who is an associate head coach, Amy Brolsma who is a skating coach, and Kori Cheverie who is a head coach.

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It is inspiring to see a league giving respect, recognition, and resources to its women coaches. Do you think this initiative will be successful in diversifying the coaching pool in the NHL?