Cheverie promoted to lead Canada's women's hockey team
Hockey Canada named Kori Cheverie head coach of the National Women's Team for the 2026 IIHF Women's World Championship. She will be assisted by Caroline Ouellette and Kris Sparre, with Daniele Sauvageau as GM. Cheverie previously served as an assistant and led Montreal Victoire to a Walter Cup.
Cheverie's staff blends experience from the professional ranks, with Ouellette having worked beside her in Montreal and Sparre recognized as the PWHL's top coach in 2025-26. Former NHL head coach Bruce Cassidy joins as a special advisor, while the front office includes Ottawa's Mike Hirshfeld and Detroit's Manon Rheaume under GM Daniele Sauvageau.
The promotion follows Troy Ryan's exit after the 2025-26 season, leaving Cheverie to address a difficult stretch against the United States, which has beaten Canada in eight straight meetings, including the last two major finals. The tournament in Denmark starts Nov. 6, with Canada grouped alongside Finland, Sweden, Japan, and the hosts.
This appointment could reshape Canada's approach to women's hockey, as Cheverie's professional coaching success may bring fresh tactical ideas to a program seeking to reverse recent losses to the United States. Players may benefit from a staff with deep PWHL experience, potentially improving development pathways. Fans could feel renewed optimism, though pressure remains high given the team's recent championship defeats. The outcome may influence how Hockey Canada evaluates coaching pipelines going forward.