By Elliot Gabler via Huskie Athletics

CALGARY, Alta. – On Tuesday, July 30, Hockey Canada announced the coaching staff that will lead the National Women's U18 Team for the 2024-25 season. Among the coaches announced was Huskie Women's Hockey Goaltender Coach Sheldon Goertzen, who will serve as the Goaltending Consultant for the national team.

"I'm incredibly honoured to be a part of the program and the coaching staff. It's an incredible group of coaches that I'm going to get to work with," says Goertzen. "It's also exciting to be a part of the growth and development of a group of really high-end athletes."

Goertzen brings with him eight years of coaching success with the Huskies as well as junior and provincial team experience.

"My time with the Huskies has been fantastic. It has helped me build my skills and ability to coach at the next level and be part of a team going after a World Championship. It's an honour to be named to Team Canada; it's something you strive for in your career."

He joins U of T Varsity Blues Head Coach Vicky Sunohara, who will serve as Head Coach of the U18 Team, Marc-André Côté from the University of Moncton, Stefanie McKeough from PWHL Boston, and Andrew Boucher. A group with decades of combined coaching experience.

"When you work with other coaches, you learn a lot from them and how they operate. It's a great experience that teaches you how to collaborate within a staff. You observe what they're looking for and what skills I can bring.

"I think athletes are always teaching you new things too, and I'll take away a lot from a group from all across Canada. It's going to be a great experience."

Canada's U18 Team selection camp takes place August 5-10 in Ontario. The team will then take on the United States in a three-game series August 14-17 at Canada Games Park in Thorold, Ontario.

In his near-decade with the dogs, Goertzen has helped produce some of the best goaltenders in program history in Camryn Drever (2018-24), Jessica Vance (2017-20), and Cassidy Hendricks (2012-16). 

"I've been lucky enough to coach some fantastic athletes here with the Huskies, and they have taught me a lot through the years. Every athlete has a unique personality and the way they like to be approached, and that experience of learning how to adjust my tactics to specific athletes has been huge in the development of my abilities.

"They've also taught me to enjoy the game and bring some fun back into practice while working hard. The Huskies program has provided me with a lot of value."

The trio of puck stoppers rank among the best in USask women's hockey history in wins, save percentage, and goals against average. Recently, he helped Camryn Drever to an incredible season, which saw the senior take home Canada West Player and Goaltender of the Year.

The Huskies officially return to the ice on October 4 and 5 when they take on the Regina Cougars. Their home debut at Merlis Belsher place set for the second of the two-game series on Saturday, October 5, at 7pm.