Northwestern Polytechnic announced that Brett Stephenson is the inaugural head coach of the Wolves women’s hockey program, which is set to compete in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) in 2026. Read MoreBrett Stephenson was appointed the inaugural head coach of the newly established Wolves women’s hockey program.
Brett Stephenson was appointed the inaugural head coach of the newly established Wolves women’s hockey program.
Northwestern Polytechnic announced that Brett Stephenson is the inaugural head coach of the Wolves women’s hockey program, which is set to compete in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) in 2026.
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“We’re excited to welcome Brett Stephenson to the NWP Wolves,” said Dr. Vanessa Sheane, NWP president. “Brett brings a proven record of leadership, athlete development, and community connection, making him a perfect choice to lead our inaugural women’s hockey team.”
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Stephenson has more than 30 years of coaching experience across multiple levels of the game. His background includes founding The Academy (formerly Edge School for Athletes North), an elite development program currently delivered through the Grande Prairie Public School Division, as well as coaching and scouting roles in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL).
His work includes high-performance training for both the Grande Peace Athletic Club (GPAC) and Peace Country Female Athletic Club (PCFAC) athletes, minor and junior hockey coaching, and delivering clinics and camps throughout the Peace Country.
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With puck drop set for Fall 2026 at the Design Works Centre, Stephenson said he is eager to begin building the program’s foundation and attracting student-athletes who want to be part of something new.
“It’s an honour. I’m excited to create a competitive, supportive, and positive environment where student-athletes can grow on the ice, in the classroom, and in the community.”
The new hockey program was one of two new additions to NWP’s sports program. Golfers began their program for the 2025 year, where the hockey program begins its competitive tour in the fall of 2026.
Stephenson comes aboard just as the recruitment season begins. Once the program is underway, and through a partnership with the city, the Wolves’ home ice will be at the Design Works Centre. Their regular season will include 25 games, along with on and off-ice practice and training sessions.
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“The addition of Golf and Women’s Hockey to Wolves Athletics is a win for our community,” said Grande Prairie’s mayor, Jackie Clayton in the May announcement. “These new programs highlight the strength of our sports culture, the outstanding quality of our facilities, and the bold vision of NWP to expand opportunities for students to study, compete, and thrive at home. They’re also welcoming new student-athletes to Grande Prairie—many of whom will come to love our city as their new home. We’re proud to support this exciting next chapter for NWP and the student-athletes who will wear the Wolves jersey with pride.”
The additions are part of a larger strategy to retain and attract new students and talent to the Grande Prairie postsecondary environemnt. They also bring the school’s roster up to 15, including women’s and men’s basketball, volleyball, soccer and futsal, plus cross-country and track.
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