NEWS: Stefanie McKeough appointed head coach of women’s hockey program

OTTAWA, ON – University of Ottawa Recreation and Varsity Sports is proud to officially announce Stefanie McKeough as the seventh head coach in Gee-Gees women's hockey history.

McKeough assumes the helm of the program after serving as the full-time assistant coach under Chelsea Grills since November 2020.

"I am honoured to be trusted with the opportunity to help lead this program," said McKeough, a 32-year-old product of Carlsbad Springs, Ont. "I look forward to building upon the culture that was spearheaded by Coach Grills during her tenure. I look forward to continuing to have the opportunity to work with this group of amazing student-athletes, coaches, and support staff."

"We are very excited to name Coach McKeough as the head coach of our Gee- Gees women's hockey program," said Sue Hylland, Senior Director of Recreation and Varsity Sports. "We are looking forward to seeing her continue the great work being done with this program."

"Stefanie brings a strong hockey background as a player and a coach, along with an outstanding work ethic we've seen over the past three years," added Hylland. "We are confident student-athletes coming to uOttawa will have a strong role model guiding the team towards a bright future as we transition from competing in the RSEQ to the OUA."

McKeough, a product of Carlsbad Springs, Ont., brings a wealth of coaching experience to the Gee-Gees, including most recently helping Canada to a gold medal performance at the 2023 IIHF U18 World Championships in Östersund, Sweden.

Her tenure at the University of Ottawa has coincided with one of the most successful stretches in the women's hockey program's history. The 2022-23 regular season was the team's best in 16 years, with a record of 16-7-2 for a .640 winning percentage.

"This is a role that I will work my absolute hardest at to create an environment where players and staff can have a safe environment to develop and succeed," said McKeough. "I am humbled to take on this role and build upon the legacy of those who have worn the Garnet and Grey. I am thankful for the support of my family, the University, the program alumni, and the entire Gee-Gees community as we head into this next chapter."

Prior to joining the Gee-Gees, McKeough served as head coach of Göteborg Hockey Club in Sweden's Svenska damhockeyligan (SDHL). During her time with Göteborg as both an assistant and the head coach, she guided professional players in one of the most competitive hockey leagues in the world from 2018 until her departure in October 2020.