MONTREAL, QC – Peter Smith and Katia Clément-Heydra, both McGill graduates who had stellar careers with the University's varsity women's hockey program, have been appointed as bench boss and assistant coach, respectively, with the Montreal Force, the newly-formed expansion team in the Premier Hockey Federation.

The appointments of Smith and Clément-Heydra were announced by the league on Tuesday, along with associate coach Pierre Alain, a former head coach of the Carleton Ravens.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to coach La Force de Montréal," said Smith, a native of Lachine, Que., who spent 20 seasons behind the bench for the McGill Martlets from 1999 to 2020. He became the winningest women's hockey coach in program history with an overall record of 534-229-33. "Having a professional women's hockey team in the city and representing the entire province is exciting for both players and fans alike. We have a great group of talented players and a terrific organization starting with very supportive ownership. I am really looking forward to the upcoming season."

Smith, a former McGill varsity swimmer, holds a bachelor's degree in physical education (1979) and a master's degree in sports psychology (1986), both from McGill. He was appointed head coach of the Martlets in 1999 and stepped down in 2020. Smith guided McGill to four national championships in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2014, and was a three-time U SPORTS Coach of the Year, winning the award in 2003, 2008, and 2012.

On the international stage, Smith has extensive experience with Canada's national women's squad, most notably serving as an assistant coach for the gold medal winning teams at the 2006 and 2010 Olympics. He also won gold as an assistant coach at the 2007 and 2009 IIHF 's world championships, plus a silver medal at the 2008 tourney while serving as head coach.

Clément-Heydra spent last season as an associate coach with McGill and remains on the women's hockey team staff in a recruitment and player development role. Her coaching experience also includes various positions with Hockey Quebec, Bishop's University, and Collège André-Laurendeau.

During her stellar playing career, the native of St. Bruno de Montarville, Que., skated with the Martlets for five seasons, from 2010 to 2015, serving her final two years as captain. After initially graduating in 2014 with an arts degree while majoring in industrial relations, she returned to study physical education while playing in her fifth year of eligibility. She was recognized as the 2014 U SPORTS Player of the Year and helped the program win national titles in 2011 and 2014. Clément-Heydra went on to play four professional seasons in the CWHL with Les Canadiennes, highlighted by a 2017 Clarkson Cup title, then spent the 2019-20 campaign with MODO Hockey of the Swedish women's hockey league (SDHL).

"I am really thrilled to have these coaches on board, it's a good mix of experience," said Force forward Ann-Sophie Bettez, another star graduate from the Martlets program. "I can't wait to have Peter as a head coach. He knows the game so well and will teach us so much. With his structure, discipline, and experience, we are beyond lucky to have him as the leader of the Force."

There is no shortage of familiarity between the staff and many of the first-year members of the Force. Smith coached Bettez throughout her tenure at McGill from 2008 to 2012, as well as a pair of recent Martlets graduates, namely forward Jade Downie-Landry and goaltender Tricia Deguire who also have experience playing for Clement-Heydra.

Bettez and Clement-Heydra shared two seasons at McGill, then reunited with Les Canadiennes.

"We are all very excited to welcome our new coaches and to hit the ice together as a group," said Downie-Landry, a recently signed forward with the Force. "Peter carries with him a great deal of knowledge and experience that will lead our team and women's hockey in the right direction. Many of us have had the honor to have been coached by members of this group before, and we look forward to having them guide us again."

SOURCE:
Earl Zukerman, Sports Info Officer, McGill Athletics
Paul Krotz, PHF Senior Vice President of Communications