Canadian women's national hockey team head coach Troy Ryan has strongly indicated that his time leading the program may be coming to an end. While not making a definitive announcement, Ryan's recent comments suggest he has largely decided to step down from his position after nearly a decade with the national team.
Transition Point After Olympic Performance
Ryan, who also serves as head coach of the Professional Women's Hockey League's Toronto Sceptres, made his remarks following Canada's silver medal performance at the Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics. The team came within two minutes of winning gold before ultimately settling for second place.
"I reached out to the athletes following the Olympics," Ryan explained. "Internally I think it is unknown or uncertain really what exactly the future is going to hold. I think I'm going on nine or 10 years with the National team program and I've said to many people recently that the program changed the trajectory of my career."
Succession Planning and Future Role
The coach emphasized the importance of proper succession planning for the national program. While details remain to be finalized, Ryan expressed willingness to assist with the transition process, potentially in an advisory capacity.
"Succession planning is always an important thing within national team programs," Ryan noted. "I would definitely encourage some succession planning in which ultimately I would want to help. I mean the program that has been so good to me and I think I have been good for that program as well."
Potential Successor Candidates
Ryan identified two of his current assistants as potential candidates to replace him should he leave the position:
- Kori Cheverie: A fellow Nova Scotian who has worked alongside Ryan on the Team Canada bench for several years and currently serves as head coach of the PWHL's Montreal Victoire.
- Caroline Ouellette: Another assistant coach who has worked with Ryan for years and brings significant experience to the potential role.
"It's important for her and her career and her future development as a coach to potentially get an opportunity like this," Ryan said of Cheverie before adding, "at some point it is someone else's opportunity and someone else's stage to do their thing."
Team Response to External Criticism
The Canadian team faced significant criticism during the Olympics regarding coaching strategies and roster management. Assistant captain Blayre Turnbull strongly defended both her coach and teammates against this external scrutiny.
"A lot of people on the outside who were making comments about our team and our potential and the coaching strategy and the roster management — those people don't have any clue what happens within our locker room or what happens on the bench," Turnbull stated emphatically.
She highlighted how the team remained united throughout the tournament, developing an underdog mentality that served them well heading into the gold medal game. Despite the final outcome, Turnbull expressed pride in how the team performed and hoped critics would recognize their effort and passion.
Timing of the Decision
Ryan clarified that his potential departure isn't motivated by the criticism he received during the Olympics. Instead, he views this moment as a natural transition point for both himself and the program.
"I do think, win or lose in this situation, that this was a typical point of transitioning to some extent," Ryan explained. "The details within there have yet to be determined but it's definitely a transition point for sure."
The coach emphasized his positive experience with the national team program, noting the opportunity to work with exceptional athletes and staff members throughout his tenure. While the exact timing and nature of his departure remain uncertain, Ryan's comments strongly suggest a coaching change is imminent for Canada's women's national hockey team.
