Kori Cheverie named Canadian women’s team head coach
A new face is going to run Canada’s bench this season.
On Thursday, Hockey Canada announced that Kori Cheverie has been named the head coach of Canada’s National Women’s Team for the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
For the upcoming tournament in Denmark, Cheverie will be flanked by her Montreal Victoire assistant coach Caroline Ouellette and PWHL Hamilton head coach Kris Sparre, who was named the league’s coach of the year in 2025-26. Additionally, Ottawa Charge GM Mike Hirshfeld and PWHL Detroit GM Manon Rheaume have been named assistant general managers under Canada’s new GM, and Montreal Victoire GM, Daniele Sauvageau. Former NHL head coach Bruce Cassidy has also been named as a special advisor.
In a statement, Cheverie said she is proud to have been given the opportunity to lead her country from behind the bench.
“Growing up playing hockey in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia,” Cheverie explained. “I had big dreams of one day being part of Team Canada. I didn’t know then that my path would be through coaching, and I am extremely grateful that this journey has now given me the opportunity to lead this program. I am excited to work alongside an amazing group of athletes and staff as we continue building together.”
Cheverie was promoted from assistant coach after serving under Troy Ryan in every major event since the 2021 Women’s Worlds. With Kingsbury on the bench, Canada won gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics, as well as gold at three Women’s Worlds. After Ryan stepped down from his position as Canada’s head coach shortly after the 2025-26 season, it became clear that Cheverie was the top candidate for the job.
There’s no question that Cheverie has earned the opportunity. She has been one of the best coaches in the PWHL since the league’s inception three years ago. She was named coach of the year in 2024-25 and has led the Victoire to consecutive regular-season championships. Cheverie and Sauvageau finally got over the hump this past year, guiding the Victoire to their first Walter Cup.
Cheverie has high expectations in the new role. She has seen firsthand the shift in the women’s hockey landscape, as Canada has been thrashed by the United States over the past 18 months. Canada has lost eight consecutive games to their rivals, including both the 2025 Women’s Worlds and 2026 Olympic finals, as well as the embarrassing outcome of the 2025 Rivalry Series.
The 2026 Women’s Worlds begins on Nov. 6. In the new format, Canada will be in Group B, alongside Finland, Sweden, Japan and host Denmark.