Wildcats Spotlight: Coach Ella Brennan

It’s a well-known fact that the NGHA is fueled by volunteers. Both on the ice and off the ice, it’s the unwavering commitment of our volunteers that allows us to shine together.

We hope this new feature highlights the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and shows our appreciation for all that they do!

Our first Wildcats Spotlight nominee is Coach Ella Brennan.

Ella is a long-time Wildcat, who began playing hockey in 2014.

Ella looks back on her Wildcat years with fondness. Her favourite thing about being a Wildcat was that she considered it her home away from home. “I was there to forget about everything else going on in my life and play the sport I love with my closest friends,” she said.

Coach Ella graduated from our House League program in 2022, and quickly realized she still wanted to be a part of the association. She returned that fall behind the bench as an assistant coach in our house program at U13, and this year, she is leading her own U15 house league team as head coach.

Ella believes it’s important to make an impact on younger girls, and she volunteers her time because she wants to ensure all girls have a safe and healthy environment to play the game they love.

“I wanted to be able to show the girls that they can coach as well and there are girls who care about the sport as much as they do,” she said.

Ella understands the importance of having good role models. Her parents were very involved Wildcat volunteers. She has learned a lot about giving back to the community through them.

“My dad was always there for me as a coach and I absolutely loved it,” she reminisced.

Her mom also volunteered as a convenor, and that gave her valuable insight into just how much work goes on behind the scenes as well.

“It gave me the motivation to strive to coach,” she said.

Ella is enjoying coaching her own team this season. She said what she loves most about coaching is watching her team learn, succeed and being able to have a hand in their continued development and growth.

The NGHA is incredibly lucky to have had several former players return in coaching roles over the years! Coach Ella exemplifies this leadership, dedication, sportsmanship and the caring attitude that continues to make all of us proud! Keep up the great work, Coach Ella!

Do you know a special volunteer, player or member you’d like to highlight on one of our next Wildcats Spotlight features?

Please send suggestions along with a brief explanation of why you are nominating them to nghasocialmedia@gmail.com