Hockey Canada launched the Women Master Coach Developer (WMCD) Program in July 2019 to introduce more hockey coaching programs led by women. The WMCD Program is currently equipping 38 coach leaders with the ability to not only deliver coach clinics but to also train future facilitators and evaluators in each Member to increase the number of women-led coaching programs from coast to coast to coast. The impact of this program will ensure an engaging and welcoming training experience for all coaches, dramatically increasing the number of active women coaches at youth levels of hockey across Canada. More women in active and meaningful coaching roles will create the infrastructure needed to support the participation of girls and women in hockey.

Following completion of the WMCD Certification, delegates will work directly with their Member Branch or Member Partner in a leadership role to optimize the delivery of the We Are Coaches Program and will support and mentor women coaches within their communities.

WMCD Program Delegates are required to complete the following:

• NCCP Core Evaluator Training
• Hockey Canada Evaluator Certification
• NCCP Core Facilitator Training
• Hockey Canada Facilitator Certification
• NCCP Master Coach Developer Training
• NCCP Master Coach Developer Certification
• Canadian Tire Jumpstart Keeping Girls in Sport Module
• Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders
• NCCP Make Ethical Decisions training and online evaluation

Professional development webinars are also offered to delegates throughout the season on a variety of topics, including mentorship, sports psychology, emotional intelligence, and more.  

WMCD Program delegates are nominated by their Hockey Canada Member each season based on the following criteria:

• Nominations are accepted for women only.
• Nominees must be currently trained or certified at the Development 1 level or higher.
• A minimum of 3 years coaching experience at or above the Competitive Bantam Stream is required.
• Nominees should be viewed as advocates for female hockey within their communities.

Hockey Canada is not solely looking for high-performance coaches but seeking nominees who are actively involved in their local hockey associations, have a strong mentorship potential, and are dedicated to growing the participation of girls and women in hockey in their community.

If you meet the above criteria and are passionate about training and supporting new women coaches, please reach out directly to your Member Champion for more information.