Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - [Signing] Hayley Wickenheiser signed as assistant of player dev. For TML

pepper24 · 08-23-2018, 01:41 PM

I see a lot of negative feedback elsewhere that she was a good female player but not talented enough skill wise to teach player development for a NHL team. For example the Women's Olympic team play against Midget AAA teams in Alberta and maybe win half their games. I practiced with her when I played university and she would never make those teams. Nice girl and inspiring story but she wasn't CIS talent.

Good on Leafs to see beyond that and give her a chance. Some of my best coaches and teachers in hockey over the years never played at high levels. I think that's what matters with these roles. Nice to have former NHL players in these roles but not always necessary.

08-23-2018, 01:41 PM	#12
pepper24 Franchise Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary, AB Exp:	I see a lot of negative feedback elsewhere that she was a good female player but not talented enough skill wise to teach player development for a NHL team. For example the Women's Olympic team play against Midget AAA teams in Alberta and maybe win half their games. I practiced with her when I played university and she would never make those teams. Nice girl and inspiring story but she wasn't CIS talent. Good on Leafs to see beyond that and give her a chance. Some of my best coaches and teachers in hockey over the years never played at high levels. I think that's what matters with these roles. Nice to have former NHL players in these roles but not always necessary.