Ottawa Adds Three To Coaching Staff

PWHL Ottawa has added a trio of staff members to their organization prior to the 2024-2025 season. The hires include assistant coach Dean Jackson, video coach Greg Houde and strength coach Kristine Walker.

Jackson is a 44-year-old from Don Valley, Ontario, with 15 years of experience at the NCAA level. He most recently held an assistant coaching position with Cornell University’s women’s program between 2017-22. He also had a stint at Penn State University during the 2016-2017 season. Before that, Jackson spent time at his alma mater, Elmira College, as an assistant with the men’s team from 2007-12, then as the women’s hockey head coach from 2012-16. During his four years at the helm of the Soaring Eagles, he maintained a 94-19-4 record.

“Dean is an experienced coach who has worked with some of the best players in the NCAA,” said PWHL Ottawa general manager Mike Hirshfeld. “He will be a valuable addition to our organization. He knows how to run a bench. He will be great working with our defenders.”

Houde’s most recent experience includes two seasons serving as part of the video coaching staff of the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks. Walker obtained a PhD in Sports Performance Neuroscience at Western University where she accumulated more than a decade of experience working with various Mustangs’ athletic programs.

The addition of Jackson, Houde and Walker completes Ottawa’s coaching staff, led by head coach Carla MacLeod, with both assistant coach Haley Irwin and goalie coach Pierre Groulx returning for the upcoming season.

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