NEWS: Chelsea Grills to move on from Gee-Gees women’s hockey program

OTTAWA, ON – University of Ottawa Recreation and Varsity Sports announced Thursday that women's hockey head coach Chelsea Grills has decided to step away from the program as the 2022-23 school year concludes.

"The Gee-Gees program has been nothing but great to me and my family since the day I got here. I want to thank my staff, as well as the athletic department staff for all their hard work and support," said Grills. "To the players and alumni, it has been an honour to be part of this team's history. There is so much to look forward to with this program. Thank you, merci beaucoup!"

Grills, a native of Ottawa, joined the Gee-Gees as full-time assistant coach ahead of the 2017 season, she was promoted to interim head coach in 2019, before having the interim tag removed in 2020.

Under her guidance, Ottawa posted a combined regular season record of 33-19-4 and in 2022-23 ascended to the U SPORTS Top 10 for the first time since January 2017. The Gee-Gees record of 16-7-2 in 2022-23 serves as the most successful season for the program in 16 years.

"We would like to say a massive thank you to Chelsea for her outstanding work and dedication to the Gee-Gees women's hockey program since joining us in 2017, she has had a very positive impact on our program and has elevated our team's performance consistently," said Roger Archambault, Associate Athletic Director.

"We are very proud of what the team has been able to accomplish under her leadership, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors."

A search for a new head coach will begin immediately, with the intention of having an appointment made ahead of the team's preseason activities in late summer.

Grills will officially complete her functions as head coach on April 28.