By Huskie Athletics

TORONTO, Ont. - University of Saskatchewan Huskie women's hockey head coach Steve Kook will help lead Canada's defending gold-medal women's hockey team at the 2027 Winter Universiade in Changchun, China.

Kook has led the Huskie women's hockey program since the 2005-06 season, when he was named the first full-time coach in program history. Since taking over as bench boss he has lead the Huskies to 251 wins, 15 postseason appearances, four nationals appearances and a Canada West Championship and U SPORTS bronze medal in 2013-14.

Announced Thursday morning (Sept. 3) by U SPORTS, Kook will join a staff that is led by Calgary Dinos women's hockey head coach Josh Gosling and also includes Morgan McHaffie from the Queen's Gaels and UPEI's Sean Fisher. Rounding out the staff is physiotherapist Nikki Antonopoulos of RMC and team lead/video coach Celine Frappier from TMU.

A graduate of the University of Saskatchewan's commerce program, Kook has won the Canada West Coach of the Year award three times (2007-08, 2009-10 and 2013-14), the U SPORTS award twice (2009-10 and 2013-14) and the Huskie Athletics Coach of the Year award three times (2007-08, 2009-10 and 2013-14).

Kook's background also includes roles with Saskatchewan Hockey where he coached the province's entry at the 2012 Female U18 National Championships in Dawson Creek, BC. He was also co-coach of the gold medal team at the senior women's championship in 2001, and in 2005 was general manager for the U18 Team Saskatchewan.

Canada's rosters will be announced in the coming months as preparations continue for the Winter Universiade, scheduled for Jan. 15-25, 2027.