Abby Laporte

With roots in Ottawa’s minor hockey system and years of experience up to the U22 level, Abby has been shaping athletes since age 14—first as a goalie coach and, by 18, as a head coach in spring hockey programs. Today, she leads the Airdrie Lightning U18AA Females and serves as Assistant Coach for Team Alberta South Grey at the 2025 Challenge, bringing certified expertise (HP1, Hockey Canada Levels 1 & 2) and a player-first mentality to every practice. Abby was also recognised as the AFHL U18AA Coach of the Year for the 2024/2025 season, a testament to her leadership and impact behind the bench.

Having played at every level of female hockey, Abby understands what it takes to progress at each stage. She translates that firsthand insight into practices tailored for U11 through U18 athletes, ensuring each drill connects to game-day situations. Her philosophy—rooted in “trust and belief in yourself and your coaches”—creates an environment where players feel safe to push boundaries, learn from mistakes, and celebrate small victories as stepping-stones to bigger achievements.

Beyond X’s and O’s, Abby emphasises the importance of daily discipline and intentional effort. She often reminds her players that “an extra 45–60 minutes a day will change your game,” whether it’s refining skating edges, perfecting stickhandling drills, or reviewing video breakdowns together. Her sessions balance positive reinforcement with constructive feedback, making sure every athlete understands not only what to improve, but why it matters.

Off the ice, Abby fuels her coaching energy and inspiration from NHL trailblazer Jessica Campbell’s pioneering approach to the women’s game. She admires the grit and flair of Marc-André Fleury, whose calm competitiveness informs her own sideline presence. Whether she’s demonstrating a perfect power-play screen or reliving the thrill of a Nashville Jr. Preds tournament victory, Abby’s blend of passion, devotion, and meaningful guidance empowers athletes to become not just better players, but confident, resilient individuals ready for any challenge—on and off the ice.