Jenn Wakefield, assistant coach for Penn State's women's hockey team, has been appointed as an assistant coach for Canada's National Women's Development Team. This role marks her first with the national squad after previously serving as an assistant coach with the Netherlands. Wakefield is a seasoned player, having won an Olympic gold medal in 2014 and collected victories at the IIHF Women's World Championship in 2021. At Penn State, she has played a pivotal role in the team's success, leading them to historic achievements in the past season.

By the Numbers
  • Wakefield played 119 international games, scoring 47 goals and 41 assists for a total of 88 points.
  • Under her coaching, Penn State achieved its first NCAA Tournament victory and advanced to the Frozen Four after a 3-0 win over #6 Connecticut.
  • Kendall Butze, mentored by Wakefield, became the all-time leading scoring defenseman at Penn State with 94 points.
  • Danica Maynard tied for sixth nationally among all defensemen with 33 points in the last season.
State of Play
  • Wakefield enters her third season at Penn State, already regarded as a vital asset to the coaching staff.
  • Her defense strategies have developed one of the most accomplished groups of defensemen in the program's history.
  • Penn State recently reached the Frozen Four, marking a high point in their competitive history.
What's Next

As she steps into her role with Canada's National Women's Development Team, Wakefield may influence the training and development of future elite players. Her experience as a player and coach could shape team strategies and foster player growth in upcoming international competitions. Additionally, Wakefield's dual commitments could enhance her coaching methods at Penn State, leveraging insights gained from working with top-tier talent.

Bottom Line

Wakefield's appointment not only highlights her impressive career but also represents an opportunity to elevate talent within Canada's women's hockey program. Her previous successes and coaching acumen at Penn State signal a promising future for both the national team and her athletes in developing their skills on the international stage.