Hockey Canada and BFL Canada recognize the country’s best women behind the bench with the BFL Female Coach of the Year award. This season, 21 deserving women have been honoured for their efforts.  Congratulations to Shari Diamond and Jessica Hogan on being selected as Hockey NL’s BFL Female Coach of the Year recipients.

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.

Shari Diamond – Competitive

Shari started her volunteering as a trainer/manager and transitioned to assistant coach in 2022. Her commitment to the well being of all players and building an environment of inclusiveness and fun has proven to be a valuable asset to all coaching staffs that she has been involved with. Positivity in the face of challenges or tough losses has always been a strength of Shari that she brings to the team throughout a season or within a tournament.  She has also been team trainer in a dual role for many of these teams and her background in physio therapy ensures that the physical and mental well being of the players is a priority.  She encourages hard work, having fun, being a good teammate, and being respectful. Shari has been a valuable member of every coaching staff she has been involved with with an attitude built around positivity and fair play.

Jessica Hogan – Community

Jessica is a remarkable coach who embodies the essence of fair play and sportsmanship within hockey. She goes above and beyond to ensure that her players treat opponents with respect, recognizing and appreciating their skills and efforts on the ice. Her dedication to fostering a positive and supportive team environment is evident in the growth and development of the young girls and boys under her guidance. With her infectious smile and unwavering encouragement, she creates an atmosphere where players feel valued and motivated to give their best.  Safety is always at the forefront of Jessica’s coaching philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of safe and fair play, actively discouraging any reckless behavior that could jeopardize the well-being of players or others on the ice. Moreover, Jessica leads by example by demonstrating respectful behavior towards officials during games, promptly addressing any instances of disrespect or dissent that may arise.  More than just teaching the game, Jessica instills invaluable values in her players. She emphasizes the principles of fair play, integrity, and honesty, urging them to uphold these ideals both on and off the ice. By encouraging them to play by the rules and compete fairly, she instills a sense of sportsmanship that extends beyond the game itself.  One of Jessica’s most admirable qualities is her ability to celebrate moments of fair play and good sportsmanship within the team. She takes the time to highlight positive behaviors and attitudes, reinforcing the importance of these values and inspiring her players to embody them in every aspect of their lives. With Jessica’s guidance, her team not only becomes better hockey players but also better individuals who understand the true essence of sportsmanship.

Please CLICK HERE for full list of recipients.