The Holland Hurricanes women’s hockey program is proud to announce the addition of two new assistant coaches for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. Maddy Koughan and Maria Mahar will join the coaching staff, bringing valuable experience and a shared passion for developing student-athletes on and off the ice.
Maddy Koughan, from Glenfinnan, PEI, is a graduate of Mount Allison University and the Atlantic Police Academy; she played five seasons of hockey at the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) level with the Mount Allison Mounties from 2015 to 2020. She has extensive coaching experience, having worked with youth athletes through the Andrew’s Hockey Growth Program and the Atlantic Female Training Institute (AFTI) teams. Known for her leadership and team-oriented mindset, Maddy is looking forward to helping the Hurricanes’ players grow and develop throughout the season.
“I’ve always enjoyed being part of a team, and stepping into a coaching role is an extremely exciting opportunity,” Koughan shared. “I look forward to being able to help mentor, grow, and develop our players throughout the 2024-2025 season, both on and off the ice.”
Joining alongside Maddy is Maria Mahar, of Mermaid, PEI, who will take on the role of assistant coach and goaltending coach. A former goaltender in the Pownal Minor Hockey Association and AAA Central Storm, Maria was also involved with the Program of Excellence and Team Atlantic training camps during her career. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a particular focus on goaltender development to the Hurricanes program.
“I’m so excited to have the honour of joining the coaching staff of the Holland Hurricanes this year,” said Mahar. “I grew up playing hockey on the Island as a goaltender, and I’m really looking forward to stepping into a coaching position. I hope to bring my love and knowledge of the game to help our team grow, on and off the ice.”
Head coach Matt Carter expressed his enthusiasm about the new additions to the team.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work with both Maddy and Maria. They bring a wealth of knowledge to the staff, which I think will be invaluable,” Carter stated. “They are fantastic additions. Having played goalie throughout her career, Maria will work mainly with our goalies and defence, while Maddy will focus on our forwards. We are looking forward to getting the season going.”
Albert Roche, Director of Athletics, also shared his excitement.
“We are thrilled to add Maddy and Maria to our women’s hockey coaching staff,” said Roche. “Their experience as athletes combined with their passion for the game will serve the players and the program well. They bring a positive approach, and that energy will certainly bring out the best in our squad.”
The Hurricanes are looking forward to the impact that Maddy and Maria will have on the team and the program’s continued development. As the 2024-2025 season approaches, the coaching staff is preparing for a season focused on growth, teamwork, and excellence on the ice.
The ‘Canes are set to host the Island Cup next weekend at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown. The event, taking place from October 11-14, is being promoted as A Canadian Collegiate Women’s Hockey Showcase. It will feature teams from across Canada, including the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Trojans (Calgary, Alberta), Les Diablos du Cégep de Trois-Rivières (Trois-Rivières, Québec), the Cape Breton University (CBU) Capers, and the Mount Academy joining the Hurricanes from Prince Edward Island. The event will kick off at 2pm on October 11 when the Hurricanes face the Trojans.
The Hurricanes will kick off their 2024-25 Atlantic Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) regular season on Saturday, October 26 when they host the Acadia University Axewomen at 7:30pm at the Eastlink Centre.
The Hurricanes are three-time Atlantic Champions, winning in 2016, 2023 and 2024.
Connect with the women’s hockey ‘Canes at www.x.com/caneswhockey and www.instagram.com/caneswhockey.
For more information on the Holland Hurricanes, please visit www.hollandhurricanes.com, www.facebook.com/hollandhurricanes, www.x.com/caneswhockey and www.instagram.com/hollandhurricanes.
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140 Weymouth Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada C1A 4Z1
Tel: 1-800-446-5265 | Fax: 902-629-4239