Sudbury coach recognized for efforts in women’s hockey
Stephanie Pascal, an assistant coach with the U18 Lady Wolves ‘AA‘ team was recently named competitive coach of the year in Ontario by BFL Canada, a risk management company.
The 26-year-old Pascal said she knew of the award several weeks ago, but couldn't say anything about it until it was formally announced. She did admit to being shocked at being considered.
“I consider myself a new coach since 2019, and I am equally surprised someone is taking notice with what I’m doing for the Lady Wolves’ team and players.”
“I try to make this a good and positive experience for everyone involved, including parents, who are part of the team family,” said Pascal.
Ever modest, she credits head coach, Andre Brunette, who she calls a terrific mentor, and feels fortunate to be able to learn alongside him as an assistant.
Her father, Randy, was effusive in his praise of his daughter’s work ethic and ability to communicate.
“She communicates extremely well on the ice with the team, is well organized and prepared. She’s also confident in her ability to relate to the players,” he said.
Off the ice, Pascal continues to relate with the team, acknowledging the season is long from August to April and the nine-month grind does have its peaks and valleys.
“It’s important that players get along and always look ahead to the goal of team success. With everything else going on in their lives, like school and social activities, sometimes just showing up for hockey, either a game or practice for a 16 or 18-year-old is an added stressor,” she said.
And, there’s more to Pascal’s itinerary that keeps her on-ice at various levels. She’s involved with the Sudbury Girls Hockey Association in player development, monitoring 4- to 7-year-old players. She works with goalies with the U15 ‘A‘ and U11 ‘AA’ teams.
She’ll act as an assistant coach with the Ontario Summer Games team, and is involved with the Master Coaches Development Program in fostering development and networking with other female coaches.
As for future aspirations, the chemical engineering graduate doesn’t see a future in professional hockey as her work provides a contrast to coaching, calling it fun and interesting. And, she is also enthused by recent news of national team players like Marie-Philip Poulin joining the Montreal Canadiens as a consultant.
“It’s amazing that women are making headway at the professional level," Pascal said.
She added she has another month of "off-time" before the season grind starts all over again in August.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.