April 13, 2005
SEVEN-TIME WORLD CHAMPION TAKES REIGNS OF WATERLOO WOMEN'S HOCKEY
WATERLOO, ON - The Department of Athletics is pleased to announce Geraldine Heaney as the new head coach of the Warrior Women's hockey program. After thirteen years as one of the best female hockey players in the world, Geraldine will now to enter the coaching ranks at the university level.
As a player with the Women's National Team, her accomplishments and experiences are unparalleled. With a gold medal victory at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Geraldine became the first hockey player to win seven World Championship Gold Medals, as well as a Gold and Silver Medal from the Winter Olympics. The savvy veteran not only won the gold but was selected the best defenseman in the World Tournament. Geraldine has played the most games all-time (125) for the national team and leads defensemen with 93 points.
Bob Nicholson, President of the Canadian Hockey association called Geraldine, a "Pioneer for women's hockey in Canada. Her dedication to Canada's women's hockey program over the past thirteen years has established a standard of excellence to which young players can aspire for years to come."
"We are very excited about the hiring of Geraldine," commented Athletic Director Judy McCrae. "She brings to us the strengths that the Women's Hockey Program is in need of. Geraldine's playing career was outstanding. We are confident that Geraldine will bring her high expectations to the University of Waterloo."
Geraldine's work in women's hockey off the ice is also impressive. Since 2000, the Geraldine Heaney Hockey School has operated successfully in communities across Southwestern Ontario. She has been working with the Toronto Aeros (NWHL) as a head coach and evaluator, and has worked with Ultra Skills Hockey Schools as a head coach and evaluated players at several prospect camps.
Geraldine is ready for the next step in her career. "Having recently retired from a hockey-playing career that earned me many honours with the Women's National Team, I embrace the opportunity for beginning my second career as the head coach of the Waterloo Warriors hockey program."
(Source: Chris Gilbert, Waterloo Communications)
As a player with the Women's National Team, her accomplishments and experiences are unparalleled. With a gold medal victory at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Geraldine became the first hockey player to win seven World Championship Gold Medals, as well as a Gold and Silver Medal from the Winter Olympics. The savvy veteran not only won the gold but was selected the best defenseman in the World Tournament. Geraldine has played the most games all-time (125) for the national team and leads defensemen with 93 points.
Bob Nicholson, President of the Canadian Hockey association called Geraldine, a "Pioneer for women's hockey in Canada. Her dedication to Canada's women's hockey program over the past thirteen years has established a standard of excellence to which young players can aspire for years to come."
"We are very excited about the hiring of Geraldine," commented Athletic Director Judy McCrae. "She brings to us the strengths that the Women's Hockey Program is in need of. Geraldine's playing career was outstanding. We are confident that Geraldine will bring her high expectations to the University of Waterloo."
Geraldine's work in women's hockey off the ice is also impressive. Since 2000, the Geraldine Heaney Hockey School has operated successfully in communities across Southwestern Ontario. She has been working with the Toronto Aeros (NWHL) as a head coach and evaluator, and has worked with Ultra Skills Hockey Schools as a head coach and evaluated players at several prospect camps.
Geraldine is ready for the next step in her career. "Having recently retired from a hockey-playing career that earned me many honours with the Women's National Team, I embrace the opportunity for beginning my second career as the head coach of the Waterloo Warriors hockey program."
(Source: Chris Gilbert, Waterloo Communications)
