Concordia grad Lisa Haley | Photo credit: Hockey Canada
“I really enjoy coaching at this level,” says Haley, who also coaches Ryerson University’s women’s hockey team. “The athletes are exceptional people and performers.”
Canada is undefeated in the women’s tournament, which determines how they’re placed in the playoffs.
Haley describes her Olympic experience as energizing. “I’m excited about how we’re going to perform,” she says.
Team Canada defeated the United States 3-2 on February 12 in a game that promises an exciting match in the upcoming elimination round.
“They are well coached,” says Haley, who played for the Stingers until 1996. “We have a veteran team with a lot of experience.”
Haley, who coached the Saint Mary’s University women’s team for 14 seasons and to four Atlantic University Sport championships, has an impressive record.
Yet she says Olympic Games — and rivalries — can create magic. “If the script’s written the way everyone expects, it will be a Canada-U.S.A. match-up, but anything can happen.”
Canada will attempt to win a fourth straight gold medal in Sochi after victories in 2002, 2006 and 2010.
Will they? “We need to play to our strengths — our team play and our systems,” Haley says.