Bruce Cassidy joins Hockey Canada women’s program as special advisor

Hockey Canada has overhauled the leadership structure of its women’s program, appointing Kori Cheverie as head coach of the national team and adding Bruce Cassidy, Manon Rheaume and Michael Hirshfeld to key management positions. The moves bring together NHL, PWHL and international experience under one umbrella.

Cassidy takes advisory role while still under Vegas contract

Stanley Cup–winning bench boss Bruce Cassidy has been named special advisor to Hockey Canada’s women’s program. The appointment comes after his stint with the Vegas Golden Knights, who dismissed him on March 29 and replaced him with John Tortorella.

Although fired, Cassidy remains under contract with Vegas, giving the Golden Knights the ability to block him from pursuing other NHL jobs. The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings had shown interest in interviewing him for their recent coaching vacancies, but the organization did not grant permission, effectively keeping him off the market.

This marks a new type of role with Hockey Canada for Cassidy. He has previously worked with the men’s national team as an assistant coach at the 4 Nations Face-Off and at the 2026 Olympic Games, and now shifts into a management-focused position on the women’s side.

Cheverie elevated as head coach; Rheaume and Hirshfeld bolster front office

Kori Cheverie steps into the head coaching job for the women’s team after leading Montreal Victoire since the franchise’s launch in 2023-24. She brings an extensive national-team résumé, having served as an assistant coach at each of the past five IIHF Women’s World Championship tournaments, as well as at the 2022 and 2026 Olympics.

To support the program’s day-to-day operations, Hockey Canada has added Michael Hirshfeld and Manon Rheaume as assistant general managers. Hirshfeld joins the national setup while also serving as general manager of the Ottawa Charge, a professional women’s club he has overseen since its inception.

Rheaume, a trailblazer in women’s hockey, is currently the GM of PWHL Detroit, which is preparing for its inaugural season in 2026-27. She also spent four seasons as a team consultant with the Los Angeles Kings from 2022-23 through 2025-26, adding NHL organizational experience to her portfolio.

Blend of NHL and PWHL experience for Canada’s women’s program

By bringing together Cheverie behind the bench, Cassidy in an advisory capacity, and Rheaume and Hirshfeld in senior management roles, Hockey Canada is reinforcing the structure around its women’s national team. The combination of professional club leadership and international coaching experience signals a push to better support athletes ahead of upcoming world championships and Olympic cycles.