Following the announcement that the 2025/26 season was the last in the hall of fame career for Howie Draper, the process has begun to find the next head coach of the Pandas Hockey program. 

Led by Director of Athletics Leah Pezer, the University of Alberta will be searching for a coach capable of leading and sustaining a high-performance women's hockey program, and has the ability to attract and retain the best student-athletes in Canada. Not only is on-ice performance a focal point of the search, but so too is finding a coach responsible for creating a team culture that reflects the UofA's values including the holistic development of the student-athletes, engagement of alumni, and a program that positively contributes to the greater community.

"We are excited to open the search for the next head coach of Pandas Hockey; someone who shares our vision for a winning program and prioritizes the growth and success of our student-athletes as people, players, and leaders," said Pezer. "This program has a proud tradition, and we're committed to finding the right person to build on that foundation and take us to the next level."

The position will include traditional coaching duties, and also includes program planning, development and logistics, technical research and development, financial management, generation and stewardship of annual revenues, operating programming and sport camps, alumni development, public relations, athlete evaluation, and the supervision and/or mentorship of assistant coaches. 

"It is impossible to put into words the impact Howie has had on this program, the University of Alberta, and the current and former student-athletes and staff who will forever be part of this PHamily," said Pezer. "Although change is inevitably unsettling, I'm excited about the opportunity this presents. We're at a moment where we can take everything that's strong about Pandas Hockey, and build on it with fresh energy, new leadership, and a continued commitment to excellence on and off the ice."

The Pandas have won a record 15 Canada West Championships and eight national titles. 

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The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.