The Toronto Sceptres have added another fertile hockey mind to its staff in advance of Year 2.
Vicky Sunohara will join the team as a coach consultant.
Sunohara is hockey royalty in Canada, having recently been inducted into the Canada Sports Hall of Fame as well as her countless contributions to the game as both a player and more recently a coach.
Over her storied career on the ice, Sunohara was part of seven gold-medal winning teams for Canada at the world championships and won gold at the 2002 and 2006 Olympic Games.
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The current head coach of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, Sunohara will remain in that role while keeping an eye on the Sceptres. At the conclusion of the U Sports season, Sunohara will take on a more hands-on role with the Sceptres.
“There are very few people who are as passionate about the game as Vicky Sunohara,” GM Gina Kingsbury said. “A legendary player who led by example on a daily basis, Vicky has not only shown her talent in our game as an athlete, but has also brought her knowledge to build a successful coaching career. We are thrilled to have Vicky join our Sceptres family.”
While the role will evolve over time, it begins with Sunohara providing her expert insights into the guiding the coaching staff in a variety of game situations and enhance team performance.
“I’m very excited,” head coach Troy Ryan said. “I know our entire coaching staff is very excited. Vicky is an incredible person, a great hockey mind and obviously an icon of the game. It’s a bit of a no-brainer.
“I mean, she’s sitting here in the city. Obviously she has her job at U of T, but I think it’s a great opportunity for myself, a little selfishly, just to learn and pick her brain as much as I can. I have worked with her in the past and have had great experiences with her. She’s going to be a great presence for us.”
The point will be made that this appointment is probably a year late, but the circumstances of last year’s start-up played into that.
“It’s something you are always considering,” Ryan said, “but I think everyone knows the rush of the start-up last year when you are just trying to build it as you are going. It’s something we talked a little bit about last year, but I think Gina made the right call. Instead of bringing her in part way through (which is what would have happened last season), give her an opportunity to start with our group right from the beginning of the year. I think it was a good decision to hold off and let her get a feel for what the league is and then come in and have an impact.”
Sunohara was at the team’s practice facility on Tuesday meeting with some of the players and diving right in.
“It’s such an incredible honour to be a part of this amazing group of inspiring athletes and staff,” Sunohara said. “I am both humbled and excited to join the Toronto Sceptres to work with and learn from some of the best people in the game while continuing as head coach of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.
“This opportunity means so much to me. I can’t wait to support the coaches and athletes in any way I can to help continue the success of this group in Year 2 of the PWHL.”