November 5,1998
NR.081

SHELLEY COOLIDGE NAMED CHA'S  MANAGER,
FEMALE DEVELOPMENT

CALGARY, AB -- Shelley Coolidge of Edmonton, AB, a one-time national champion female hockey player, as well as an experienced coach, official and trainer, has been named Manager, Female Development with the Canadian Hockey Association, Johnny Misley, the CHA’s Director of Development announced Thursday.

A former Director of Female Hockey with the Saskatchewan Hockey Association, Coolidge brings significant experience as an administrator to her position with the CHA, as well. She is expected to assume her new duties on Nov. 16.

As a player, Coolidge played several years for the Edmonton Chimos, who won the Esso Women’s National championship for Alberta in 1997. Coolidge also was a member of the Chimos when they won silver medals at the Esso Women’s Nationals in 1993 and 1994. Coolidge has earned her Level III officiating certification, as well the Advanced I Level as a hockey coach. A multi-sport athlete and coach, Coolidge has coached softball, gymnastics and track and field.

“Shelley Coolidge was a very impressive applicant from a strong group of candidates who applied for this key position in the CHA,” said Misley, who coordinated the job search. “She brings a strong knowledge of the game, given her experience as a player, official and coach, and has demonstrated excellent administrative skills in her career, as well.”

The CHA’s Manager, Female Programs is responsible for managing all development programs in the growing sector of female hockey. In 1997-98, 29,031 female players registered to play hockey with the 1,816 teams under the CHA banner, compared with 7,099 players for the 198-89 season.

Coolidge replaces Glynis Peters, who held the position since 1991, managing the program and the National Women’s Team through three successive Women’s World Championship titles (1992, ‘94, ‘97), as well as a silver medal performance at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan. Peters left the CHA to pursue other interests.