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(Image Credit: supplied by Northwestern Polytechnic.)
By Curtis Galbraith
NWP Wolves

Wolves women’s hockey team nervous, excited for regular season debut says coach

Oct 9, 2026 | 6:00 AM

The head coach of the Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves women’s hockey team says they are both nervous and excited about playing its first-ever regular season games this weekend. 

The Wolves host NAIT tonight at 7 p.m. A Community Tailgate party with free hot dogs starts at 5:30 p.m.

Brett Stephanson thinks it is healthy to be both of those things. 

“I think that bodes well for our team caring about the process and being proud of also being the first female hockey players at NWP, so that, to me, is just fantastic.” 

Stephanson says a lot of the players had never been to Grande Prairie before, but have liked the facilities and how they have been treated in the community. 

“I think at times they’re probably overwhelmed because they didn’t think it would be this good.” 

“They’re a little bit of celebrities in town as well, so that’s pretty cool, too.” 

Stephanson says the team has tried to get out in the community, while being mindful of their school and hockey obligations. The Wolves players have taken part in three Terry Fox Runs held by schools plus worked with minor hockey players. 

Some of the players have signed hockey cards, including for one fan asking for an autograph on a Wayne Gretzky card. 

Two players are from Beaverlodge, one from Grande Prairie, and one from Fort St. John. There is also another player not originally from, but calls Grande Prairie home. Most of the rest are from Alberta, but there are two each from Saskatchewan and other places in B.C. The full roster can be found here.

Stephanson says the sales pitch to the players from outside this region was offering an opportunity. 

“There’s not (an) endless amount of teams and chances and spots for these young ladies,” 

“When you’re starting off a team, you’re looking for anywhere from 20 to 25 players, and that was a big pitch (saying) You know what? Yeah, you might have talked to three or four teams, but we can guarantee (that) if you commit to us, you’re going to play and you’ve got a spot on the team.” 

Stephanson is hopeful that NWP having a women’s hockey team means good female players from here stay home to play. 

“There are so many good players in this Peace area that have to leave home because there’s not a U18 AAA team. Sometimes they don’t come back.” 

“With this team now starting, who knows? We might get these players back after they pursue their career down south somewhere.” 

He is also hopeful this team will serve as a role model for girls players the same way the Storm serve as a role model for boys. 

“When I was involved with the Storm in the late ’90s, you could just see all the (minor hockey) players wanted to play for the Storm.” 

“Now, we’ve got the opportunity on the female side to grow the program even more. So many quality people have started and continued and worked with our female game. This, hopefully, will take it to the next level.” 

Stephanson says the work to get the Wolves program going “has been non-stop for over a year.” 

He adds they want to build a culture where players feel safe but also challenged on and off the ice. They also want to put together a competitive team. 

The Wolves will host the Ooks again Saturday afternoon starting at 2 p.m. 

Both games will be played at the Design Works Centre.

Photographer Alexander Ng took the following pictures at a recent Wolves exhibition game:


(Image Credit: Alexander Ng.)

(Image Credit: Alexander Ng.)

(Image Credit: Alexander Hg.)

(Image Credit: Alexander Ng.)
by Curtis Galbraith