Paul Coffey is back on the ice with the Edmonton Oilers, and Hockey Alberta is stepping up its inclusion work across the province. One move aims to fix what’s happening right now in front of the net; the other targets the culture that feeds the sport for years to come. Together they show how leadership can shape both performance and participation.
Paul Coffey returns to coaching for the Oilers
The Oilers have reinstated Hall of Famer Paul Coffey to their on-ice coaching staff. Coffey previously worked with Edmonton’s defensive group for two seasons before moving into an advisory role; the team has brought him back to provide hands‑on guidance as defensive struggles mount.
When Coffey last coached the group, the team allowed roughly 2.78 goals per game, a mark that ranked among the better defensive records in the league. This season, however, Edmonton has slipped to 25th in goals against, surrendering about 3.29 goals per game. Management hopes Coffey’s return will restore structure and accountability without upending the club’s high-powered offense.
Coaching sources say Coffey will zero in on breakouts, gap control and making sure forwards shoulder their defensive responsibilities. The goal is concrete: cut down on high‑danger chances, tighten transition defence and give the goaltenders fewer one-on-one threats. It’s a short-term, tactical move intended to shore up the blue line while the team maintains its identity up front.
Hockey Alberta pushes for intentional inclusion
At the grassroots level, Hockey Alberta is sharpening its focus on equity, diversity and inclusion. The organization’s message is straightforward: change won’t happen by accident. Policies, education and everyday expectations must deliberately support people from different backgrounds if hockey is to be genuinely welcoming.
Hockey Alberta plans to align coaching education and referee development with those goals, updating policy language, introducing mandatory training modules and clarifying expectations for leagues and teams. The idea is to turn good intentions into consistent practice across rinks, dressing rooms and local boards.
Voices from the EDI committee
Hockey Alberta’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee—made up of members including Sanjeev Bhagrath, Sameena Siddiqui, Sunpreet Johal, Devin Buffalo and Angela Epp—has pushed for practical, measurable steps. Their recommendations include bias‑awareness workshops, mentorship pathways for underrepresented participants and clear, accessible reporting channels for misconduct.
Committee members stress representation in leadership as a retention tool: when people see themselves reflected in coaches, officials and administrators, they’re likelier to stay and progress. They also link inclusion directly to player safety, arguing that respectful environments reduce maltreatment and create better conditions for learning and development.
Programs that put plans into practice
To help clubs adopt these ideas, Hockey Alberta is offering concrete resources. Teams can sign onto a Player Pledge that emphasizes respect, safety and teamwork across a season. There’s also a free, three‑hour online education program (developed with the WHL) for players U15 and older that covers relationships, leadership, mental health and support networks.
Beyond single courses, the emphasis is on sustained integration: mandatory training, transparent reporting systems, and local mentorship that become part of routine operations rather than one‑off initiatives.
Paul Coffey returns to coaching for the Oilers
The Oilers have reinstated Hall of Famer Paul Coffey to their on-ice coaching staff. Coffey previously worked with Edmonton’s defensive group for two seasons before moving into an advisory role; the team has brought him back to provide hands‑on guidance as defensive struggles mount.0
Paul Coffey returns to coaching for the Oilers
The Oilers have reinstated Hall of Famer Paul Coffey to their on-ice coaching staff. Coffey previously worked with Edmonton’s defensive group for two seasons before moving into an advisory role; the team has brought him back to provide hands‑on guidance as defensive struggles mount.1
Paul Coffey returns to coaching for the Oilers
The Oilers have reinstated Hall of Famer Paul Coffey to their on-ice coaching staff. Coffey previously worked with Edmonton’s defensive group for two seasons before moving into an advisory role; the team has brought him back to provide hands‑on guidance as defensive struggles mount.2