WATERLOO, Ont. - Laurier's manager of women's hockey operations and head coach Kelly Paton has been named the national winner of the BFL Women in Coaching Award.

Each year, Hockey Canada and BFL CANADA look to highlight the country's best women behind the benches, calling on players and parents from coast-to-coast to nominate hockey coaches who have made significant contributions to the game. 

Paton, who is entering her sixth season (and seventh year) leading the Golden Hawks, was named as the top high-performance coach, which is defined as a woman coaching athletes that are above the age of 16 and compete at the U SPORTS, Canadian collegiate, or professional levels.

"Receiving this award is truly humbling," said Paton, who hails from Woodstock, Ont. "It's a testament to the exceptional team around me whose unwavering dedication has cultivated an environment of growth and development. I'm very thankful to all who have made this achievement possible."

As the national winner in her category, Paton will receive a $5,000 bursary and an invite to Canada's National Women's Team camp this September.

Read more about Paton's coaching journey
 

When Kelly Paton began coaching, her mentors were key to helping her develop confidence behind the bench.

À ses débuts en entraînement, Kelly Paton a reçu l'aide de ses mentors pour prendre confiance en elle.@BFLCANADA | @OWHAhockey | @WLUAthletics

— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) July 3, 2024