A Prestigious Coaching Appointment
Nadine Muzerall, the longtime head coach of Ohio State’s women’s ice hockey program, has been selected by Hockey Canada to serve as the National Women’s Under‑18 Team head coach for the 2026‑27 season. The appointment was announced alongside confirmation that she will guide Canada’s youth squad at the 2027 U18 Women’s World Championship, which is slated to take place in Ostrava, Czechia.
Muzerall brings a distinguished record to the role, having compiled a career win‑loss‑tie record of 260‑86‑22 at Ohio State, translating to a .736 win percentage. Her tenure includes two national championships, seven Frozen Four appearances, and five Western College Hockey Association Coach of the Year honors. She has also mentored 28 Professional Women’s Hockey League draft picks, six of whom were selected in the 2026 draft.
Path to the 2027 Championship
The upcoming tournament will feature the nation’s top under‑18 talent, and Muzerall will be charged with maintaining Canada’s recent dominance in the competition. Her previous involvement with Hockey Canada includes stints with the U22 program in 2017 and the U18 Rivalry Series in 2016, experiences that she says have prepared her for this new challenge.
In March 2026, Muzerall signed a five‑year contract extension with Ohio State, securing her commitment through the 2033‑34 season. The extension reflects the university’s confidence in her leadership and ensures continuity for a program that has posted winning records in six of its previous seventeen seasons. With the contract in place, she will continue to develop elite talent while balancing her new responsibilities with Hockey Canada.
Looking Ahead
As the 2027 U18 Women’s World Championship approaches, expectations are high for Muzerall’s squad. The team will face formidable opponents, but her proven ability to maximize player development and her deep connections to the PWHL pipeline suggest she is well‑positioned to contend for the title. Her appointment underscores a continued emphasis on experienced, home‑grown coaching leadership within Canadian hockey.