VFIHA is very proud to have a number of coaches who, along with dedicating many hours towards teaching and leading our players, continue to play hockey at a high level in the Lower Mainland.

Four current VFIHA coaches play full time for teams in the South Coast Women’s Hockey League (SCWHL), a Senior AA league with teams across the Lower Mainland as well as on Vancouver Island and in Kamloops and Prince George. The league consists of former A, AAA, and university players, as well as players who have competed with teams in countries such as Turkey, Austria, Switzerland and Sweden.

Midget C1 coach Chantal Despiegelaere

Atom C4 coaches (and VFIHA alumni) Emily Froese and Jaime Yee play for the North Shore Rebels.

“I was hoping to play in a league that was both fun and fairly competitive, and the SCWHL was perfect for that,” said Jaime. “I’ve enjoyed meeting, playing with and playing against new people, some of whom I used to play against when I played with [VFIHA].”

“All the players on my team have been really nice and welcoming. I have good coaches who make us work hard and learn a lot,” said Emily. “I also enjoy the chance to travel around BC to play other teams.”

Midget C1 coaches Krista Prins and Chantal Despiegelaere play for the Fraser Valley Jets.

“It’s competitive and fun,” said Chantal. “It’s a time to be with the girls. It’s competitive when we’re on the ice, but when we’re off the ice it’s not like we hold on to anything.”

Midget C1 coach Krista Prins

“It’s nice to still have good coaching,” said Krista. “We’re still working on stuff, we’re still learning, evaluating how we’re playing.”

A number of former VFIHA coaches also play in the SCWHL, along with alumni such as Elizabeth MacDonald (North Shore Rebels) and Hazel Barthel (Richmond Devils).

“Girls coming out of Juvenile or Midget, if they’re just on that cusp where they didn’t want to [or couldn’t play university hockey], but they’re still talented enough to play in our league, there’s somewhere for them to play that still gives them that competitive edge and … [an opportunity to still be] able to play at a high level,” said Chantal.

Interested in checking out a SCWHL game and cheering on our VFIHA coaches? More information on the SCWHL can be found at http://www.southcoastwomenshockey.ca/