Danielle Goyette Makes ECHL History

Danielle Goyette Makes ECHL History

By stepping behind the bench for the Newfoundland Growlers Thursday night, Danielle Goyette made ECHL history. She became the first woman to ever serve as an assistant coach, filling in for Growlers head coach Eric Wellwood. He was made unavailable after entering COVID-19 protocol this week.

Goyette, who already has a great list of accomplishments, stepped in for the coach, only adding to her lengthy resume.

A native of Saint-Nazaire, Quebec, Goyette played 172 times for Canada’s National Women’s team from 1992-2007. She accumulated 219 points along with eight IIHF World Women’s Championships Gold Medals as well as a pair of Olympic Gold Medals (2002 Salt Lake City & 2006 Turin).

The two-time Olympic gold medalist for Canada stepped behind the bench for the Growlers, but it wasn’t her first time coaching. In 2007, Goyette was named head coach of the University of Calgary Dinos, eventually winning a national championship in 2012. That year, she was also an assistant coach for Team Canada at the World Championships and at the Olympic Games in 2014.

Goyette’s accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed as she’s been inducted into both the IIHF Hall of Fame (2013) and Hockey Hall of Fame (2017). She was also made a member of the Order of Canada in 2018, an award that honors people who make extraordinary contributions to the nation.

Goyette currently serves as director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hayley Wickenheiser, Leafs’ senior director of player development and another hockey legend, coaxed Goyette out the collegiant level.

Danielle Goyette joins a small list of women who have coached men’s professional hockey. Olympic Gold Medalist Kendall Coyne Schofield was the first woman to step behind an AHL bench last May. Stepping in as a temporary assistant coach for the Rockford IceHogs.

Goyette continues to break down barriers in the hockey world. She inspired a whole generation of hockey players when she played, and she continues to inspire by leaving another mark in hockey history.

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