PWHL New York, Howie Draper mutually agree to coaching change

Following a disappointing inaugural season, PWHL New York and head coach Howie Draper mutually agreed to a coaching change on Saturday.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to know Howie both personally and as a coach,” New York General Manager Pascal Daoust said in a statement. “His contributions will forever be a part of this team’s foundation, and I feel privileged to have worked alongside him.”

The team also announced that Draper will continue working with the club as a special advisor and with the scouting department.

“I’ve been blessed to have been a part of PWHL New York this past season,” said Draper in a statement. “It was an honor to have worked alongside this outstanding group of staff and athletes. I look forward to the opportunity to remain involved in the continuing growth of the program.”

The 57-year-old Draper will return to the University of Alberta’s women’s club, where he served as head coach for the previous 26 season. With 667 career wins, he is the winningest coach in Canadian University women’s hockey history.

“We wish him the best as he returns to Alberta, where he built a powerhouse program that will define his legacy in women’s hockey and develop the future players of the league,” Daoust said.

New York is one week removed from finishing last in the league with a 9-12-3 record and 26 points. Forward Alex Carpenter had a highly productive season, scoring eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points in 24 games. Right behind them was Ella Shelton, who led the league in all offensive categories for defenders, scoring seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points.