NWP Names Brett Stephenson Coach for New Women’s Hockey Team

BREAKING: Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) has just announced that Brett Stephenson will be the inaugural head coach of the new women’s hockey program, set to compete in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) starting in Fall 2026. This exciting development marks a significant step forward for sports in Grande Prairie as the NWP Wolves prepare to make their mark.

Dr. Vanessa Sheane, NWP president, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We’re excited to welcome Brett Stephenson to the NWP Wolves. Brett brings a proven record of leadership, athlete development, and community connection, making him a perfect choice to lead our inaugural women’s hockey team.”

With over 30 years of coaching experience, Stephenson is well-equipped to guide the new program. He founded The Academy, an elite development program in partnership with the Grande Prairie Public School Division, and has held various roles in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). His extensive background includes high-performance training for athletes from the Grande Peace Athletic Club (GPAC) and the Peace Country Female Athletic Club (PCFAC), along with coaching minor and junior hockey.

With the puck set to drop at the newly constructed Design Works Centre, Stephenson is eager to lay the groundwork for a strong team culture. “It’s an honour. I’m excited to create a competitive, supportive, and positive environment where student-athletes can grow on the ice, in the classroom, and in the community,” he stated.

The women’s hockey program is one of two new additions to NWP’s sports offerings, joining a golf program that will kick off in 2025. As recruitment season opens, the Wolves aim to attract talented student-athletes to their inaugural team, which will compete in a regular season featuring 25 games.

Grande Prairie’s mayor, Jackie Clayton, hailed the new programs as a victory for the community, emphasizing, “These new programs highlight the strength of our sports culture, the outstanding quality of our facilities, and the bold vision of NWP to expand opportunities for students to study, compete, and thrive at home.”

The introduction of women’s hockey and golf is part of NWP’s broader strategy to retain and attract students to the Grande Prairie postsecondary environment. These additions will increase the school’s athletic roster to 15 sports, enhancing opportunities for student-athletes across various disciplines, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, futsal, and track.

As the NWP Wolves gear up for this new chapter, anticipation builds among local sports fans and prospective students alike. The community is poised to welcome new talent, fostering a vibrant sports culture that promises to enrich the lives of student-athletes in Grande Prairie.

Stay tuned for further updates on the recruitment progress and the upcoming season as NWP prepares to launch an exciting new era in women’s hockey.