The Premier Hockey Federation has announced that longtime Canadian women’s hockey legend is joining the PHF staff in one of its largest and most prominent roles, that of Director of League and Hockey Operations.
Working under commissioner Reagan Carey and senior vice president of hockey operations Lisa Haley, Davidson will provide general hockey operations guidance and support as it relates to the structure of the PHF regular season, playoffs, and offseason processes, and help develop and navigate the Federation’s relationships with key partners across the hockey community in North America and internationally.
“There is not a single person who has done more for the global growth of women’s hockey than Mel Davidson, and it is a true privilege to welcome her to a new leadership role at the PHF,” Carey said. “She has become legendary for her ability to create winning programs at the Olympic and National Team level, but her dedication to mentoring and coaching others is simply remarkable and unrivaled. Mel reflects the integrity, experience, and success we value in the PHF and her influence will surely raise the bar for our league in all facets. I’m extremely energized for what’s to come as we join forces to advance professional women’s hockey across North America on behalf of the PHF.”
The four-time Olympic gold medalist and 26-year veteran with Hockey Canada will bring a host of knowledge and connections within the sport to her team, as the PHF continues building its program for professional female hockey players in the 2022-23 season.
“This is an exciting time for women’s hockey with more growth potential and opportunities for athletes than ever before,” Davidson said. “I believe the PHF has built a solid foundation and I’m really looking forward to working with Reagan and Lisa to help advance the game forward for elite athletes who want and deserve to continue developing and competing at the highest professional level.”
Working as head coach, assistant coach, general manager, and head scout over 36 different events with Hockey Canada, Davidson has earned a medal in every single instance. She won four-straight Winter Olympic gold medals, as well as five IIHF Women’s World Championship gold medals and 10 golds at the 4 Nations Cup.
“Mel has been a mentor of mine from the very beginning of my professional career and I was fortunate to work with her throughout each of my experiences with the Canadian National Women’s Team and at various IIHF high-performance camps,” Haley said. “I am so pleased to get another opportunity to work with her at the PHF. I have seen for myself the love she has for the game and the drive she has for building successful programs. Mel will play an integral role as the PHF continues its vision of growing and sustaining professional women’s hockey across North America.”
The graduate of Red Deer College and the University of Alberta was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 2011 and into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
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