Maple Leafs promote Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser to senior director of player development

When the Toronto Maple Leafs parted ways with player development director Scott Pellerin earlier this year, there were some whispers that the role would be filled by a “high-profile” name. That certainly proved true, as Monday the team promoted Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser to senior director of player development. Wickenheiser will be joined by new director of player development Danielle Goyette. Skills coach Darryl Belfry will oversee the technical development, while Will Sibley has been promoted to director of development operations and analysis.

Wickenheiser has been working with the team since 2018 as an assistant director of player development, while also completing her education at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. The legendary forward is arguably the greatest woman to ever play hockey and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. Four Olympic golds, seven World Championship golds, an NWHL title, a CWHL title and a CIS title, Wickenheiser did everything possible as a player. She is now crossing new bridges as an executive, once again paving the way for women that will come after her.

She won’t be doing it alone, as former national teammate Goyette joins the Maple Leafs after more than a decade as head coach of the University of Calgary. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, Goyette brings another two Olympic golds, eight World Championship golds and an NWHL title as a player. It would be hard to find a more decorated pair.