TORONTO–TSN,RDS, andHockey Canada today announced a long-term media rights agreement that extends through the 2033-34 season, continuing their long-standing partnership that dates back to 1991. The announcement comes on the heels of TSN and RDS’s exclusive live broadcast of Team Canada’s instant-classic gold medal win over Team Russia on Sunday at the2020 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP, live from Ostrava, Czech Republic.

The extension ensures that TSN and RDS will continue to hold the exclusive, multi-platform media rights to Hockey Canada events, including the IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP, which has become both Canada’s favourite hockey holiday tradition and one of the networks’ most-watched properties. World Juniors games make up three of the top five most-watched programs ever on TSN, and nine of the Top 20.

As the official broadcast partner of Hockey Canada, TSN and RDS will deliver an extensive schedule of games annually from Hockey Canada events, including:

• International events such as the IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP; IIHF WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP; and IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
• Domestic events such as the WORLD JUNIOR A CHALLENGE; NATIONAL WOMEN’S UNDER-18 CHAMPIONSHIP; CANADIAN TIRE PARA HOCKEY CUP; WORLD UNDER-17 HOCKEY CHALLENGE; TELUS CUP; ESSO CUP; CENTENNIAL CUP PRESENTED BY TIM HORTONS; and ALLAN CUP. 

“For 30 years, Hockey Canada, TSN, and RDS have benefitted from a broadcast relationship that has built from grassroots programs and initiatives through to our national and international championships,” said Scott Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer, Hockey Canada. “The traditions and love of hockey have enabled us to share our vision of bringing fans closer to Canada’s game not just through viewership, but also through participation.”

“Hockey Canada has been an incredibly valued partner of TSN and RDS for decades, and we couldn’t be happier to reach this agreement and to continue to deliver this slate of world-class hockey events,” said Stewart Johnston, President, Media Sales and Marketing, Bell Media, and President of TSN. “Hockey Canada is the world leader in developing and promoting positive hockey experiences, from elite teams like we’ve seen over the last two weeks to the extensive grassroots programs it runs across the country. As Canada’s Sports Leader, we are thrilled to partner with Hockey Canada to help fulfill its mission, and we feel privileged to be the country’s long-term home for iconic hockey championships, including the World Juniors and so many more.”

Hockey Canada programming is also available to TSN andTSN Direct subscribers on TSN.ca and the TSN app. The complete broadcast schedule of Canadian hockey on TSN can be foundhere. (broadcast schedule is subject to change).

Hockey on TSN

TSN is the exclusive broadcaster of Hockey Canada, delivering marquee international events including the IIHF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, IIHF WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP, IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, IIHF U18 WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, CANADIAN TIRE PARA HOCKEY CUP, and WORLD UNDER-17 HOCKEY CHALLENGE, as well as domestic events including the WORLD JUNIOR A CHALLENGE, TELUS CUP, ESSO CUP,  CENTENNIAL CUP PRESENTED BY TIM HORTONS; and ALLAN CUP.

TSN’s slate of live hockey programming also features exclusive coverage of the SPENGLER CUP, as well as the HLINKA GRETZKY CUP.

TSN is also home to the Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Maple Leafs as part of its package of 190+ regional NHL regular season games. TSN delivers 60 Jets games on TSN3, 50 Canadiens games on TSN2, 55 Senators games on TSN5, and 26 Leafs games on TSN4, all in the teams’ respective designated broadcast regions.

TSN complements its live hockey coverage with Canada’s fan-favourite hockey news and information programming, featuring the hockey world’s most trusted team of Hockey Insiders and analysts. TSN’s industry-leading hockey programming includes SPORTSCENTRE, 7-ELEVEN THAT’S HOCKEY, and the network’s slate of signature hockey specials including TRADECENTRE, FREE AGENT FRENZY, FANTASY DRAFT, TOP 50 PLAYERS, and BOB MCKENZIE’S PRE-SEASON DRAFT RANKING.

About TSN
TSN is Canada’s Sports Leader and provides world-class content across its industry-leading platforms including five national television feeds, TSN Direct, TSN.ca, and TSN Radio stations across the country. With a broad portfolio of multimedia sports assets, TSN delivers more championship events than any broadcaster in the country. The network’s deep and diverse roster of live sports programming includes the Grey Cup, IIHF World Junior Championship, Spengler Cup, Hockey Canada events, CFL, NFL, NBA, MLS, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Winnipeg Jets, Season of Champions Curling, FIFA World Cup™, Canada Soccer, CONCACAF Gold Cup, MLB, Golf’s Majors, NASCAR, F1, Grand Slam Tennis, UFC, NCAA March Madness, and Skate Canada and Rugby Canada events. TSN comes from Bell Media, Canada’s premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, digital, and Out-of-Home. More information about TSN is available atTSN.ca.

About RDS
RDS is Canada’s French-language sports broadcasting leader. In addition to its world-class content delivered across multiple platforms, including RDS, RDS2, RDS Info, RDS.ca and the RDS app, RDS offers the broadest portfolio of French-language sports programming in the world. Official broadcaster of the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators, CFL and Grey Cup, NFL and Super Bowl, MLB and World Series, Olympic Games until 2024, FIFA World Cup until 2026, exclusive French-language broadcaster of the Montreal Alouettes, Laval Rocket, Formula 1, RDS’s slate of channels present more than 4,000 hours of live programming each year, including UFC, the IIHF World Championship and World Junior Championship, NASCAR, PGA Tour golf including all four majors, ATP tennis, all four Grand Slam tournaments, Season of Champions Curling and Skate Canada events. RDS comes from Bell Media, Canada’s premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, digital, and Out-of-Home. More information about RDS is available atRDS.ca.

About Hockey Canada
Hockey Canada is the governing body for hockey in Canada and a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), with a membership through its 13 member associations of over 750,000 players, coaches and officials. Hockey Canada is a not-for-profit organization that creates leading-edge hockey development programs for its members to deliver in communities across Canada; provides consistent rules and regulations and various other membership services from coast to coast to coast; manages numerous regional, national and international hockey championships and events; and leads the operation of all teams that represent Canada in international competition. Hockey Canada’s mission is tolead, develop and promote positive hockey experiences. For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook and Twitter.

CALGARY, Alberta –Hockey Canada and Bauer Hockey have announced an eight-year partnership extension that will take effect on July 1, 2026 and ensure two of hockey’s most prominent brands will continue growing the game together for years to come.

As the official equipment provider and team apparel partner of Hockey Canada, Bauer Hockey is the sole manufacturer licensed to sell Team Canada replica jerseys and will launch Hockey Canada’s new primary jersey during the 2026-27 season.

"Our longstanding partnership with Bauer Hockey has benefitted our national teams, participants and fans across Canada, and we are excited to expand our efforts with Bauer for another eight years,” said Katherine Henderson, president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “Both of our organizations are committed to building a healthier hockey on and off the ice, and we know through our partnership, we will have even more opportunities to reach more Canadians.

“In particular, we cannot wait to reveal our new primary jersey that has been designed in consultation with Canadians and Canadian hockey fans, and includes unique elements that celebrate our National Winter Sport and will be a source of pride for our fans and the national team athletes who wear the Maple Leaf.”

As partners for over 20 years, Hockey Canada and Bauer Hockey continue to find opportunities to welcome more participants to the game, including through The First Shift, a low-cost entry program to hockey that includes a full set of Bauer equipment and has helped introduce tens of thousands of new families to hockey since it launched in 2014.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Hockey Canada, grounded in a shared commitment to growing participation and building a strong, inclusive hockey community,” said Mary-Kay Messier, chief marketing officer for Bauer Hockey. “Through initiatives like The First Shift, in partnership with the NHL and NHLPA, and by providing fans with Team Canada jerseys they can wear with pride, we’re helping to ensure the game – and the Maple Leaf – continue to inspire Canadians at every level. Supporting Team Canada on and off the ice is central to Bauer’s role in growing the hockey community.

BAUER is represented by a strong roster of Canadian athletes, including Marie-Philip Poulin, Cale Makar, Gavin McKenna and Chloe Primerano.

Fans interested in buying Team Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic Bauer replica hockey jersey and other items from Bauer’s Hockey Canada line can visitshop.hockeycanada.ca,Bauer.com and authorized Bauer Hockey retail partners across the country.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visitHockeyCanada.ca, or follow along onFacebook,X,Instagram andTikTok.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced a three-year partnership with Sleeman Breweries, uniting two of Canada’s most celebrated brands through the 2027-28 season.

As an international marketing partner of Hockey Canada, Sleeman will have visibility at International Ice Hockey Federation events as well as national and international tournaments hosted by Hockey Canada.

“Partnering with Sleeman Breweries is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with one of our country’s most trusted brands and we know their team shares the same passion for our National Winter Sport as the millions of Canadians who engage with it each year,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact with Hockey Canada. “We’re excited about the opportunities we’ll have to work with the Sleeman team moving forward and celebrating hockey in Canada together for years to come.”

Founded in 1834 and proudly based in Guelph, Ontario, Sleeman Breweries is the third-largest brewer in Canada and is known for its legacy of craftsmanship. Sleeman’s beer portfolio includes Sleeman Original Canadian Lager, Sleeman Clear 2.0 Light Lager, Sleeman Honey Brown Lager and Sleeman’s Zero+ Non-alcoholic Lager.

“We are thrilled to be announcing our partnership with Hockey Canada, a collaboration that furthers our legacy of bringing Canadians together,” said Dana Brochu, vice-president of marketing with Sleeman Breweries. “As a proudly Canadian-founded brewery, Sleeman wholeheartedly believes that hockey culture is essential for families and fans across the country and we look forward to strengthening it together.”

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visitHockeyCanada.ca, or follow along onFacebook,X,Instagram andTikTok. To connect with Sleeman, visitSleeman.ca online or follow onInstagram andFacebook.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced a two-year partnership with Karbon-X, an end-to-end climate solutions company that provides verified carbon strategies and measurable sustainability impact. The partnership will see Karbon-X become an Official Sustainability Partner of Hockey Canada.

As one of Hockey Canada’s international marketing partners, Karbon-X will have visibility at all International Ice Hockey Federation events, in addition to national tournaments hosted by Hockey Canada, and will collaborate on initiatives aimed at reducing event-related emissions and empowering climate action across all levels of the sport.

These initiatives include introducing a sustainability contribution on tickets in the future as well as integrating an optional contribution into grassroots registration, bringing players, families and communities together to create collective impact. All contributions will support verified, Canadian-based climate projects that deliver measurable impact for communities nationwide.

“We are very excited to add Karbon-X as Hockey Canada’s newest corporate partner and strengthen our organization’s efforts to be more sustainable, including through the events we host,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact for Hockey Canada. “As we work towards hosting more sustainable events, Karbon-X will play an important role in helping us accomplish that and raise awareness of our collective sustainability efforts.”

“Hockey has always been about community and connection,” said Matt Kauffman, executive vice-president of sports and entertainment for Karbon-X. “This partnership reflects our shared belief that the power of sport can drive real environmental progress. Together with Hockey Canada, we’re helping make sustainability a part of the game, creating measurable impact for the sport, for the fans and for the planet.”

Earlier this year, Hockey Canada obtained Gold certification from the Council for Responsible Sport, acknowledging that the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship met its rigorous criteria and was the first hockey event in North America to achieve such status.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visitHockeyCanada.ca, or follow along onFacebook,X,Instagram andTikTok.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced a five-year partnership extension with international marketing partner BFL CANADA, one of the largest employee-owned and operated risk management, insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting services firms in Canada.

A long-time supporter of women’s hockey, BFL CANADA formally became one of Hockey Canada’s international marketing partners in 2019.

“For years, our partnership with BFL CANADA has benefited the growth of hockey in Canada and we are looking forward to strengthening those efforts during the next five seasons,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact for Hockey Canada. “We’re grateful to Barry and his team for their trust in Hockey Canada and cannot wait to celebrate even more women coaching as part of this extension.”

“At BFL CANADA, hockey has always been a story of passion,” said Barry F. Lorenzetti, chief executive officer, founder and chair of the board of directors of BFL CANADA. “We are honoured to continue our support of Hockey Canada’s games and initiatives, as hockey exemplifies passion, perseverance and leadership—qualities that reflect BFL’s identity.”

The partnership extension includes an ongoing commitment to annually honour women coaches across the country through the BFL Women in Coaching Award.

Entering its seventh season, the initiative has already recognized 123 coaches from community, competitive and high-performance backgrounds across the country.

Nominations for the 2025-26 BFL Women in Coaching Award can be submittedhere beginning Dec. 1.

About BFL CANADA

Founded in 1987 by Barry F. Lorenzetti, BFL CANADA is one of the largest employee-owned and operated risk management, insurance brokerage, and employee benefits consulting services firms in Canada. The firm has a team of over 1,450 professionals located in 27 offices across the country. Thanks to its local international office network of independent brokers (LION), BFL CANADA provides clients with privileged access to insurance partners in over 140 countries, helping to support their operations both in Canada and globally.

For more information, visitbflcanada.ca and follow onLinkedIn,Instagram,Facebook andX.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visitHockeyCanada.ca, or follow along onFacebook,X,Instagram andTikTok.

Coaching her daughter got Trula Seaward back into hockey and she’s enjoying every minute of it.

Growing up in Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador, Seaward played the game throughout the 1990s when she was one of the only women’s hockey players in her small community.

“It was very unheard of in my community when I played,” Seaward says. “I have a strong hockey background and played right through university.”

She eventually turned her focus from playing hockey to her career as a nurse and then starting her family.

When her daughter was 18 months old, Seaward put her on skates for the first time—and she loved it.

“Of course, I wanted her to be a hockey player just like me. When she was four, we enrolled her in hockey in Port aux Basques,” Seaward says. “I thought it would be a great opportunity to get involved again. You don’t realize how much you miss it until you take some time away from it.”

It all came full circle for Seaward when her daughter’s U7 Timbits program needed help on the ice during practices.

“When she started with the U7 program, I went on the ice more as a helper. There were some great coaches on the ice with me,” she says. “They showed me the ropes, how to run practices and how to build a positive relationship with the kids, because the more positive your relationship, the more the kids tend to respond to you.”

Seaward stayed behind the bench with her daughter’s teams, moving up to the U11 program where she currently coaches both the minor and girls' programs with Port aux Basques Minor Hockey.

One of the moments that cemented her decision to continue coaching was at a U13 girls’ provincial championship that took place in Port aux Basques two years ago.

“[A team] had a female coach, but the coach’s daughter got really sick during the first game of the tournament. Being certified to be on the bench, they asked me to help,” she explains. “I couldn’t see these girls forfeit, so I said I’d do it.”

As nervous as she was, Seaward helped lead that team to a provincial championship, winning all five games.

“I was a nervous wreck. I didn’t really know what I was doing, and I felt totally out of place,” she says. “When I walked into that dressing room, I was so intimidated, but we won, and it was probably one of the most rewarding weekends I’ve had.”

Seaward continues to be the head coach for the U11 rep team and still volunteers with the other minor programs. She also helps with her son’s team and other divisions needing support, and is the director of female operations forHockey Newfoundland and Labrador.

“That tournament was my turning point. From that moment forward, I decided that I would keep on coaching,” she says. “It was a wonderful experience because it built my confidence and I’ve grown so much in that area.”

Getting back into the game in a different capacity revived not only her love for hockey, but it also brought a different kind of joy—watching the growth of the kids she coaches.

“For me, it’s just having the opportunity to be a part of the kids’ lives and trying to have a positive impact on them,” she says. “It’s not about the goals or saves, it’s the personal growth I get to witness in these kids. I think what I love about coaching the most is getting to pass on what the game has given to me.”

In Port aux Basques—with a population of just over 3,500—the growth of women’s hockey has taken off in recent years. Without girls playing in several of the minor divisions, they wouldn’t exist.

With the introduction and growth of theProfessional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), young girls now see actual opportunities to go after their hockey dreams.

“We see the PWHL and a woman coach in the National Hockey League now. My little girl said she wants to play in the PWHL, but her back up plan is to be a coach,” Seaward says. “There was none of that when I was growing up. This generation of women’s hockey players are finally realizing there is no limit—you can be a coach, a referee, a trainer or a player.”

Being able to see women in roles throughout hockey also starts at the grassroots level—something Seaward is very aware of and willing to lead the way in her community.

“It is so important, and the girls love having a woman coach—they are more comfortable, and they can spread their wings, find their confidence and their comfort. They can just be themselves,” she says.

Not only has Seaward been honoured in her own community for her involvement and giving back to the game, but she was also recently announced as the national winner of theBFL CANADA Women in Coaching Award in the Community category.

“When they told me I won, I was quite shocked,” she says. “It’s pretty special to me and I’m very honoured.”

The accolades are nice, but Seaward hopes this personal achievement will provide a boost to the growth of hockey in Port aux Basques and other communities by showing girls and women that they belong and can dream big.

“I think it’s just so important not only for my community to see that, but it’s an opportunity to grow women’s hockey.”

Coaching was always a natural fit for Karissa Kirkup.

The Brandon, Manitoba, native was interested in becoming a teacher when she was younger, so she decided to get involved in coaching to gain experience working with kids.

“I think I’ve always enjoyed the connection with people. Through my experiences as a player, I’ve always really enjoyed and learned so many life lessons through the game of hockey,” says the 29-year-old Kirkup, who was named the national recipient of theBFL CANADA Women in Coaching Award in the Competitive category. “I always loved giving back to the game that gave me so much.”

Now a Grade 6 teacher and working on a master’s degree in education, Kirkup defines herself as a lifelong learner. She loves learning new teaching strategies that can benefit her in the classroom and on the ice.

“The world is constantly evolving and we’re learning a lot about the next generation coming up,” she says. “I think it’s super important to keep pushing myself and not staying stagnant in both of my coaching and teaching roles.”

Balancing teaching and coaching can be challenging. It requires a lot of preparation and organization for Kirkup to be set up for success.

“I will admit, it is a juggling act right from the start of September,” she says. “It does have to be a full team effort throughout a long hockey season. It’s a lot of months and a lot of time being put into both teaching and coaching.”

Kirkup grew up playing minor hockey in Portage la Prairie before her family moved to Virden for high school. She joined the Westman Wildcats to play U18 AAA in theManitoba Female Hockey League (MFHL).

“That experience was a major driving force in why I’m coaching again today,” she explains. “I always look back with fond memories of [playing for the Wildcats]. I enjoyed my time there.”

Kirkup believes in chasing adversity. She believes by trusting those around you and leaning on people for support, you will come out of adversity as a stronger and better person.

As Kirkup was looking to get into coaching, she noticed that there was no U15 AAA or U18 AAA teams in Brandon. After discussing the idea with others, she took a leap of faith to start working with community members to build a program.

“Being a small part of building a program from the ground out was a tremendous experience. I got to grow and learn with people around me that also cared a lot about the game,” she says. “I knew with the dedicated people around me, we could make it happen.”

Quickly, Kirkup began to find success on and off the ice with her team. In the first season as head coach of the Brandon Wheat Kings, her U15 AAA team became rural provincial champions in the 2021-22 season.

“Those are some of the memories that I’ll never forget, how those players are clutch in some big moments,” Kirkup says. “We carried momentum from there—next season, we had some strong players again, and we found some success again.”

The U15 AAA Wheat Kings went on to be the MFHL champions in back-to-back seasons (2022-23, 2023-24). Kirkup moved up to coach the U18 AAA Wheat Kings last season. She continues to watch the careers of the players she has coached—in fact, all six graduating players from her first U15 AAA team are moving on to become student-athletes this fall.

“The players that I was working with had a lot of resilience,” Kirkup says. “I have so much pride for those groups that our coaching staff initially got to work with and continue to work with now.”

As a player, Kirkup represented Manitoba twice at theU18 Women’s National Championship—she won bronze in 2011 and silver in 2012. Kirkup also had the opportunity to attend camp with Canada’s National Women’s Development Team in 2013. She always knew that she wanted to come back to Team Manitoba as a coach in some capacity. She applied to be a part of the coaching staff at the 2023 Canada Winter Games and was named an assistant coach.

“[I had] a couple of years of head coaching under my belt and I wanted to continue to push myself, chase that adversity and challenge myself to be a better coach and a better teacher,” she says.

Kirkup joined assistant Maddie Litchfield-Medd and head coach Ashley van Aggelen on the bench for the tournament—a full circle moment considering van Aggelen coached Kirkup at U18 Nationals back in 2012.

In 2024, Kirkup was an assistant coach with Manitoba at U18 Nationals, and she will lead her province at the 2025 tournament in Newfoundland and Labrador later this year. As someone who has both played and coached in the national championship, Kirkup brings a unique perspective to the bench.

“It’s very important to humanize the experience and to acknowledge that the reason you have nerves is because you care and you want to do well at these bigger events,” she says. “In short-term competition, it’s about building that trust early on and continuing to do little things to maintain that throughout a tournament.”

This season marks a new chapter for Kirkup. After four years with the Wheat Kings, she is moving to the U18 AAA Westman Wildcats to coach the team she grew up playing for.

“I’m so excited for this coming season. […] Some people that were involved when I was there as a player are still involved and are doing their best to create and maintain a program that has sent lots of players on to the post-secondary level,” she says. “I plan to go in there and continue on the legacy of that program.”

As she reflected on the impact of being one of the national recipients of a BFL CANADA Women in Coaching Award, Kirkup is fortunate to have worked with and lean on some amazing coaching staffs—including working alongside her dad for two seasons.

“Having that experience in that relationship to have hard conversations, to incorporate the entire coaching staff, it’s important,” she says. “You’re doing the next best right thing, but you’re always evolving and you’re always learning.”

Kirkup encourages women that are getting started on their own coaching journeys to chase their own adversity.

“If you wait for the right moment to be ready to take on an assistant or head coaching role, that moment of readiness is never going to come,” she explains. “If you’re interested in coaching, dive into it with the best intentions and the best effort that you can. Ask questions, be open-minded and have fun with it.”

Coaches are leaders in hockey. Providing the space and resources to allow players to be the best they can be on and off the ice is an important job—and it’s something Vicky Sunohara takes seriously as a coach.

“[Our job as a coach] is to develop people through sport,” Sunohara says. “I take that very serious. It’s not only developing the hockey side, but it’s also trying to help provide a supportive environment and be a leader within a good culture.”

When Sunohara she learned that she was selected as the national recipient of this year’sBFL CANADA Women in Coaching Award in the High Performance category, she was surprised.

“I’m not certain I’m deserving of this recognition, but it’s very humbling,” she says. “I coach with and against some amazing women coaches and I’ve learned so much from many of them. This is pretty special.”

It’s no secret that Sunohara has a wealth of experience and accolades that she pours into her coaching roles. A two-time Olympic gold medallist and seven-time world champion during her playing career, Sunohara sits 11th in scoring with Canada’s National Women’s Team with 118 points (56-62—118) in 164 international games and wasinducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Her playing career dates back to the 1980s; after four seasons of college and university hockey—two with Northeastern University and two with the University of Toronto—she spent time in the old Central Ontario Women’s Hockey League (COWHL) before playing parts of 11 seasons with the Brampton Thunder in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) and Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL)

Some players know they want to coach after they retire, but that was not the case for Sunohara.

“I didn’t think that I would get into coaching, to be honest,” she explains. “It was kind of just sprung on me at the time. I started to help out at practice, running a few drills.”

Near the end of her last CWHL season, Sunohara discovered she was pregnant with her twin boys. Deciding not to take any chances, she spoke to some teammates and decided to hop behind the bench for the rest of the season.

“From then on, [coaching] was in the back of my mind because I realized I wasn’t going to play anymore.”

After her sons were born, Sunohara became the director of women’s hockey at The Hill Academy in Caledon, Ontario, a role she held for two seasons. In 2011, a full-time head coaching position opened with theUniversity of Toronto’s women’s hockey team.

She jumped into the role with her alma mater, despite not having much insight into all of the responsibilities of a U SPORTS head coach.

“I didn’t start as an assistant coach, so I didn’t really learn from a head coach or have a mentor coach. I had many great coaches as a player, and that’s where I drew a lot of my coaching philosophies from,” she says. “I had my own thoughts on what I really liked and what I wanted to continue, but not any experience as an assistant coach. That was difficult.”

With the help of a supportive athletic director and staff, Sunohara began to navigate through her journey as a head coach, learning as she went.

Thirteen seasons later, Sunohara has guided the Varsity Blues to three McCaw Cups as Ontario University Athletics (OUA) champions (2020, 2023, 2025) and a trip to the U SPORTS national championship game in 2024. She was named coach of the year for both the OUA and U SPORTS for three consecutive seasons from 2019-23 and earned OUA Female Coach of the Year honours spanning across all sports in 2019-20.

“When I won my first Olympic gold medal, I loved watching the joy in my teammates and staff, and just knowing the work and what went into winning that. I get that feeling when we won the OUA championship because it’s really difficult,” she says. “We play in a difficult league; it’s not something that is easy to win. I love watching my assistant coaches, staff and the players—I can step back and I feel so great and proud of them.”

Having the chance to reconnect with players after their university career is over provides another opportunity for reflection.

“Seeing players again and talking about their experiences and where they’ve done after they’ve graduated—it’s awesome,” she says. “Having the opportunity to be a small part of their lives is amazing.”

In addition to university sports, Sunohara loves to coach women’s U18 athletes. As a player, she didn’t have as many chances to play high-level hockey and develop at that age.

“I had great leadership and guidance playing on the senior team, but I think missed out on those years of opportunities on at a very young age,” Sunohara says. “These U18 teams, they’re learning at a younger age and able to be supportive of each other, but they also understand that even if you’re not on a top power play or the top line, you can still have an impact on the team’s success.”

Sunohara was an assistant coach when Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team won gold at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in 2022 and bronze in 2024. This past season,she took the reins as head coach, winning another world title, and she is returning to lead Canada at the2026 U18 Women’s Worlds in Sydney and Membertou, Nova Scotia.

With her own experience representing Canada on a national stage, Sunohara is happy to have the opportunity to share what made her teams successful and make a different in the next generation’s development.

“It’s really rewarding and so exciting for me to watch the young players put on the Team Canada jersey for the first time and represent their country,” she says. “After this past worlds, to watch them win gold, it’s such a feeling of pride.”

Sunohara’s coaching experience doesn’t stop there—she joined the PWHL’s Toronto Sceptres hockey operations staff this season as a coach consultant and participated in practice planning with the team’s coaching staff.

“I loved every minute of it,” she says. “I learned so much and being on the ice with the players at that level was pretty special.”

Witnessing the evolution of professional women’s hockey up close also provided some reflection about how far the game has come since Sunohara hung up her skates.

“I would have loved to be a part of that as a player. Watching something that is a dream come true for me was pretty special,” she says. “I loved having the opportunity to have conversations with the players and coaches about continuing to develop the game and listening to their thoughts.”

The phrase, “if you can see it, you can be it,” is often associated with women’s hockey in terms of inspiring the next generation to play, coach and officiate. Sunohara says she’s still learning and developing as a coach.

Although she was initially thrown into her coaching journey, she’s happy that she has mentors now to get guidance, feedback and help.

“We always talk about getting out of your comfort zone as a player. Get out of your comfort zone as a coach and ask for a mentor,” she encourages. “Coaches are often willing to help each other. The best part of development is having those conversations, learning, working with people and being a fly on the wall.

“There’s so many people that would love to help and be a part of the growth of a coach.”

CALGARY, Alberta –Hockey Canada has announced an expanded partnership with SportsPay that will see the organization become the Exclusive Payment Partner for all transactions involving the Hockey Canada Registry (HCR), which is recognized as the premier system for hockey registration and management in Canada.

Most recently Hockey Canada’s Preferred Payment Partner, SportsPay facilitates seamless and secure online transactions and provides a smooth payment experience for its users while using the HCR.

“The Hockey Canada Registry processes hundreds of thousands of registrations for participants across the country each season, and the expansion of our partnership with SportsPay will ensure that the user experience for our participants and associations continues to be world-class,” said Jesse Albers, vice-president of operations for Hockey Canada. “We appreciate SportsPay’s longstanding commitment to supporting amateur hockey in Canada and look forward to working together for many years to come.”

A leading payment provider for amateur sports organizations in Canada, SportsPay was also a proud supporter of the Beyond the Boards Summit in November 2024, which examined outcomes of unhealthy hockey culture.

To learn more about Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X,Instagram andTikTok.

OTTAWA, Ontario –With the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship beginning today, Hockey Canada is proud to recognize and thank the corporate partners who are supporting the tournament in Ottawa.

“The 2025 World Juniors would not be possible without the tremendous support we’ve received from our partners across the National Capital Region and beyond,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact. “From the moment Ottawa was awarded the tournament, we have worked with the host organizing committee to engage organizations that are excited to contribute to the legacy of this year’s event, which has led to one of the largest group of partners in World Juniors history.”

The successful bid to host the World Juniors was a partnership between the Ottawa Senators, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG), Ottawa Tourism, Hockey Eastern Ontario (HEO), the City of Ottawa and the Province of Ontario.

Hockey Canada has 11 of its corporate partners activating at this year’s tournament, including Esso, TELUS, Tim Hortons, Bauer, BFL CANADA, PepsiCo, OK Tire, Timber Mart, AMJ Campbell and SportsPay.

TSN/RDS, the official broadcasters of the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, will broadcast all 29 tournament games.

In addition, 10 event partners are supporting the delivery of one of international hockey’s most prestigious tournaments: Access Storage, BUMP, Bumper to Bumper, Canadian Blood Services, FLO, LP Building Solutions, Myers Automotive Group, Niagara College, Supplement King and Walker Real Estate Group with RE/MAX.

The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship begins today, with extremely limited ticket inventory for select games available atHockeyCanada.ca/Tickets.

To learn more about Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X,Instagram andTikTok.

CALGARY, Alberta –Hockey Canada has announced a multi-yearpartnership extension with one of its long-standing premier partners,Imperial Oil’s Esso brand.

The extension will see Esso continue to work with Hockey Canada oninitiatives that promote and strengthen inclusion in hockey, as well asenhancing programming opportunities for grassroots participants acrossCanada, including with women and girls.

“Hockey Canada has made it clear to Canadians that we are committed tobuilding a healthier hockey that is rooted in safety, excellence and sportfor all, and today’s announcement is extremely important to help us worktowards that in partnership with Esso,” said Katherine Henderson, presidentand chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “We are grateful to have itsunwavering support and cannot wait to work together to connect moreCanadians, and especially women and girls, with our national winter sportfor years to come.”

“Imperial and the Esso brand have proudly supported hockey in Canada formore than 80 years, recognizing its vital role in connecting people andcommunities,” said Sherri Evers, senior vice-president with Imperial Oil.“Supporting the next generation of players and fans helps ensure the spiritof hockey in Canada continues to thrive. We look forward to our continuedpartnership with Hockey Canada that allows us to support achievement at alllevels of hockey – from grassroots to the world stage.”

Imperial Oil and the Esso brand have been synonymous with hockey in Canadafor nearly 90 years and a premier partner of Hockey Canada since 1981.

As part of the extension, the Esso brand will continue to have an extensivepresence in creating unforgettable experiences for women’s and girls’hockey across the country as the title sponsor of the Esso Cup, Canada’sWomen’s U18 National Club Championship, and Esso Fun Days, which is anintroductory program that introduced over 1,500 girls and women to hockeylast season.

“For many Canadians hockey isn’t just a game, it’s what brings us togetherin our communities, and when Team Canada hits the ice it’s what unites us anation” said Cheryl Seaward, director of partnerships at Imperial Oil. “Asa long-standing premier partner of Hockey Canada, Imperial is proud toextend its partnership, fuelling the next generation of athletes from pondto podium while supporting the expansion and growth of the women’s game.”

The 2025 Esso Cup is scheduled for April 20-26 in Lloydminster, Alberta.

Along with Esso, Hockey Canada’s premier partners include TELUS, TimHortons and TSN/RDS.

To learn more about Hockey Canada, please visitHockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media onFacebook,X andInstagram.