Wakefield Takes the Helm with Canada's Development Squad
Jennifer Wakefield, a longtime assistant with Penn State’s women’s hockey program, has accepted a new role with Canada’s National Women’s Development Team.
Wakefield’s appointment comes after a distinguished playing career that culminated in an Olympic gold medal with Team Canada in 2014, a milestone that underscores her deep connection to the national program.
Having spent four seasons at the helm of the Netherlands women’s national team, she returns to North America with a global perspective, now in her third year as an assistant at Penn State where she has helped shape a program that celebrated its first NCAA Tournament victory under her guidance.
Under her tutelage, defensemen such as Kendall Butze have set program records, amassing 94 points and earning a 49th‑overall selection in the 2026 PWHL Draft by the Las Vegas franchise.
The impact extends beyond Butze; defenseman Danica Maynard tied the program’s single‑season points record with 33 and captured Atlantic Hockey America Rookie of the Year honors, while forward Leah Stecker was drafted 27th overall by the Boston Fleet in the same 2026 draft.
Adding to the pipeline, forward Sydney Morrow earned a spot at the 2026 USA Hockey Women’s National Festival, highlighting the breadth of talent emerging from the current roster.