Davidson joins Premier Hockey Federation

Two-time Olympic hockey gold medal coach Melody Davidson has joined the Premier Hockey Federation as director of league and hockey operations. Davidson coached Canada to Olympic women’s hockey titles in 2006 and 2010 and was director of the squad that won gold in 2014.

She also coached Canada to five women’s world hockey titles.

The 58-year-old from Oyen, Alta., joins new PHF commissioner Reagan Carey. The two women were previously international rivals.

Carey was director of U.S. women’s hockey teams from 2010 to 2018, while Davidson held a similar role for Canada until 2018.

“There is not a single person who has done more for the global growth of women’s hockey than Mel Davidson, and it is a true privilege to welcome her to a new leadership role at the PHF,” Carey said Wednesday in a statement.

“She has become legendary for her ability to create winning programs at the Olympic and national team level, but her dedication to mentoring and coaching others is simply remarkable and unrivalled.

“Mel reflects the integrity, experience, and success we value in the PHF and her influence will surely raise the bar for our league in all facets.”

The Toronto Six is the lone Canadian club in the six-team women’s league. Carey has yet to confirm the PHF will expand to Montreal and another market next season.

Canadian and U.S. Olympic team players do not play in the PHF.