PWHPA announces vaccination policy

PWHPA Announces Vaccination Policy, 2021-22 Staff

All players and staff must be vaccinated in order to participate in upcoming season

Press release provided by PWHPA

Toronto, ON – September 23, 2021 – The Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) today announced that all those who will participate in events for the coming season— including players and staff— will be required to present proof that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The measure was put into place by the PWHPA Board in order to ensure safety for all players, staff and volunteers. The policy, which took effect in early September, also ensures that any PWHPA member taking part in events throughout the season will adhere to various local vaccination policies in locations such as arenas and public spaces. Medical and religious exemptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

“The PWHPA prioritizes the safety of our players and staff, and the safety of all those with whom we come into contact during and around our events,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHPA Operations Consultant. “Our vaccination policy was put into place to ensure the upcoming season is as safe as possible for everyone involved and we feel it is our responsibility to do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19. We’re all excited to get the season going and I applaud the PWHPA Board for taking a responsible stance on the issue of vaccinations.”

The PWHPA will begin game action in October and their first Secret® Dream Gap Tour stop is set to take place in Truro, NS from Nov 11-13.

PWHPA Staff Update

The PWHPA also announced 2021-22 head coaches and GMs for each region. Boston, PWHPA’s newest region, will be led by Krista Patronick as GM, while Ashley Kilstein will serve as Head Coach. There were no changes in the remaining four regions at the GM/Head Coach position from last season. The full list is below.

Boston

GM – Krista Patronick
Head Coach – Ashley Kilstein

Calgary

GM – Becky McGee

Head Coach – Dean Seymour

Minnesota

GM – Justin Johnson

Head Coach – Matt Leitner

Montreal

CEO – Centre 21.02 – Daniele Sauvageau

Toronto

GM – Rebecca Michael

Head Coach – Laura McIntosh

Additional Season Updates

• Karell Emard (Montreal/Team Harvey’s) will replace Shannon Szabados as a PWHPA Board Member. The move was made to further ensure there is representation on the board across the PWHPA regions. Szabados will become an advisor to the board.
• Tryouts for each region have begun and will continue until the end of the month.
• Final rosters will be announced in October, with each region expected to have 21 players named to the active roster.

About the PWHPA

Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association’s (PWHPA) mission is to promote, advance and support a single, viable professional women’s ice hockey league in North America that showcases the greatest product of women’s professional ice hockey in the world. The organization aims to provide a united voice to players advocating for the creation of a sustainable professional league. PWHPA is working to accomplish its mission by coordinating training needs and programming opportunities and collaborating with like-minded organizations to make hockey more inclusive for women and future generations. To learn more about PWHPA and the Secret Dream Gap Tour, visit pwhpa.com.

Media Inquiries:

Ashley McLellan

PWHPA Media Consultant

[email protected]

Feature Image c/o The Athletic