Skip to content

Flames' Giordano: Women could 'absolutely' coach in NHL

Christopher Hanewinckel / USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, the Buffalo Bills made history by hiring Kathryn Smith as the NFL's first full-time female assistant coach. Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano believes it's only a matter of time before the NHL follows suit.

"With the way women have progressed in sports over the years, I think it's just a matter of time," Giordano said to the Calgary Herald. "Teams already have women employed by their organizations in different jobs. It'll be in the near future when they're behind the bench or in the press box coaching.

"I'd be open to it, I know that for sure."

Flames general manager Brad Treliving is of the exact same mind set.

"If you're going out and looking for the best possible talent, the best possible individuals regardless of anything else," Treliving said. "I just know that some of the women I know ... They're as educated in the game, well-versed in the game as any number of men.

"In our situation in Calgary, the first criteria would be: 'Can you help us be better?' Outside of that, everything else is somewhat secondary."

According to the Herald, Hockey Canada's annual general meeting indicated there were 7,067 female coaches registered in various roles with teams across Canada in 2015.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox