Sophy Aldred

Sophy’s hockey journey began on frozen ponds in Bragg Creek and carried her through Female U13 A play with the Airdrie Lightning, two seasons of U15B and U15AA, and three seasons of U18 competition—including one year at the AAA level—before earning a roster spot at Queen’s University. Along the way, she attended the Global Sport Academy and developed a deep appreciation for the game’s mental and tactical demands. In 2022 she transitioned into coaching, serving as lead assistant for Bow Valley Hockey Society summer camps, then guiding her sister’s U13 spring team with PHD Hockey and running U7/U9 skills sessions in Gananoque.

Central to Sophy’s philosophy is the belief that each player brings distinct assets to the ice. She fosters a culture where mistakes are embraced as growth opportunities, balancing targeted, constructive feedback with unwavering positivity to cultivate trust. Practices begin with engaging warm-ups—often incorporating small-area games to simulate real-game pressure—then move into skill stations that emphasize skating edge drills, puck-handling under duress, and position-specific scenarios. Every session concludes with a group debrief so athletes understand not just how to perform a drill but why it prepares them for the next level of competition.

Off the ice, Sophy fuels her focus with rigatoni in rosé sauce with chicken and dreams of drawing up plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs under the bright lights of Scotiabank Arena. She draws inspiration from NFL quarterback Brock Purdy’s underdog journey and energizes her teams with “I’m Still Standing.” Her mantra—develop a confident, reflective relationship with yourself—underscores every lesson, reminding players that work ethic and coachability unlock lasting success. Whether celebrating a provincials silver medal with Team Saskatchewan or bonding during a U18 AAA tournament weekend, Coach Aldred’s passionate, enthusiastic, and intuitive style ensures every athlete grows as both a player and a person.