A team in transition: What comes next for Canada's women's hockey program?

Long-time Canadian women's national hockey team head coach Troy Ryan says it's "probably the right time for change" behind the bench, as the team looks ahead to the 2030 Olympics.

Over nearly a decade in charge of the senior national team, Ryan led Canada to Olympic gold in 2022, three world championships, and most recently, silver at the 2026 Olympics.

"I think win or lose in this situation that this was a typical point of transitioning, to some extent," said Ryan, whose contract with Hockey Canada expires later this year.

Internally, there have been conversations between Ryan and Hockey Canada "over the last few years" about when to transition to a different role within the program or out of the program entirely.

Ryan mentioned assistants Kori Cheverie and Caroline Ouellette as coaches who deserve to get future opportunities with the program.

"They’ve worked with me as assistant coaches for a number of years and at some point, it’s someone else’s opportunity and someone else’s stage to do their thing," Ryan said.

Look back at every goal Canada's women's Olympic hockey team scored at Milano Cortina 2026

It's one decision that looms for Hockey Canada days after the team came home with silver, and at a time when women's hockey is in a period of change.

The PWHL has changed the way Hockey Canada selects its national team and prepares for major tournaments, with less time available together as a team.

At the same time, the international calendar is poised to change significantly, with the world championship moving to the fall, and the addition of a new spring tournament that could help close the development gap for younger players.

As Hockey Canada looks ahead, it plans to evaluate its women's program to determine the path