BFL Women in Coaching Award

There is arguably no more important role in hockey than that of the coach, who is tasked with guiding young players not only on the ice, but off it as well. They are leaders in hockey, and leaders in life.

Hockey Canada and BFL CANADA are on the hunt for the country’s best women behind the benches, and they are calling on players and parents from coast to coast to nominate hockey coaches who have made significant contributions to the game.

Category Definitions:

Community Coach: Defined as a woman coaching athletes of any age who play and compete in divisions where there is not a National Championship identified as a culminating event. (ex. U7-U15 House League Coaches, up to A/AA)

Competitive Coach: Defined as a woman coaching athletes who play and compete in divisions where the participants are eligible to compete in National Championships, accredited Sport Schools Championships, or provincially designated Programs of Excellence. (ex. Sport Schools, U15-U18 AAA, U22 Elite)

High Performance Coach: Defined as a woman coaching athletes that are above the age of 16 and compete at the USports, Canadian Collegiate Hockey, or Professional levels.

For our Community, Competitive and High Performance categories, the nominee:

• Leads by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship.
• Places the emotional and physical well-being ahead of a personal desire to win.
• Places an emphasis on equitable participation of all players registered on the team.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the development of every player and staff member.
• Treats each player as an individual and understands the range of emotional and physical development.
• Does her best to provide a safe playing situation for all players.
• Uses the coaching techniques that are appropriate for all of the age and skill level of her players. 
• Must be actively coaching in a sanctioned local hockey association or high performance levels
• Must be trained and/or certified in the National Coach Certification Program.
• Must have completed all elements required to be an active coach.
• Must be good standing with their provincial or territorial member.

Celebrating the Best Behind the Bench

Watch as Hockey Canada and BFL CANADA surprise the Women in Coaching award winners with the big news, celebrating their achievements from coast to coast to coast.

Congratulations to the 2026 provincial and territorial winners

Hockey Canada and BFL Canada recognize the country’s best women behind the bench with the BFL Women in Coaching Award. This season, 22 deserving women have been honoured for their efforts.

There is arguably no more important role in hockey than that of the coach, who is tasked with guiding young players not only on the ice, but off it as well. They are leaders in hockey, and leaders in life.

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 1,500 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, visit bflcanada.ca or follow on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.