HALIFAX — Ryerson Rams women’s hockey head coach Lisa Haley has been named the 2014 Sport Nova Scotia coach of the year.
The assistant coach of the Canadian Olympic women’s hockey team coached the country to a gold medal back in February at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
At the World Trade and Convention Centre on Saturday night, Haley was unable to attend the ceremony in person, but accepted the award through a video speech.
“I think as a coach, what you’re thinking about is trying to get your athletes to reach their full potential in those biggest moments and then also seeing them rewarded for their efforts and watching them with the gold medals around their necks, standing arm and arm singing O Canada, there’s certainly that feeling of satisfaction for me at that event,” Haley said in her speech.
On Monday, it was announced that Haley will also be included in the 2014 class of the Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame in the builders category.
Haley took a leave of absence from the Rams during the 2013-14 OUA varsity season to move to Calgary, Alta. and focus on coaching Team Canada full-time.
On Feb. 20, Canada came back in the third period and defeated the USA 3-2 in overtime to capture a fourth straight Olympic gold medal.
Haley also credited her home province for her growth as a coach and success that she has had on the ice.
“I know that the things that I’ve learned there (Nova Scotia) have shaped me as a coach here today and I also think of the coaches that I’ve worked with and the players along the way and the support that I’ve received from my parents and I know that has all made a difference in my life and the success that I’ve had,” Haley said.
Last season, the Ryerson Rams women’s hockey team set a high in wins with five, finishing the year with a record of 5-18-1.
To date, the Rams have locked up seven new recruits for the upcoming 2014-15 season.