Christine Bumstead, an assistant coach, had a unique journey that led her to be behind the bench for a preseason game with the Florida Panthers, the reigning Stanley Cup champions. Her path began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she connected with Paul Maurice, the former coach of the Winnipeg Jets, during a hunting trip. Maurice was impressed by Bumstead's hockey knowledge and coaching potential.
Bumstead was later invited to participate in a development camp with the Panthers and eventually found herself coaching in a preseason game against Nashville. She expressed her gratitude for the experience and described it as special.
As part of the NHL Coaches Association Female Coaches Program, Bumstead is one of about 100 women focusing on their development in the game. She juggles multiple coaching roles, including assistant coach for the women's team at the University of Saskatchewan and performance coach for the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League. Additionally, she serves as the head coach of Canada's national deaf women's hockey team.
Bumstead's passion for coaching has grown over the years, and she now sees it as her calling. She credits Maurice for helping her enter the NHLCA program and acknowledges her increased competitiveness and drive as a coach compared to her playing days.
The NHL is witnessing a rise in opportunities for women in coaching and front-office roles. Jessica Campbell and Emily Engel-Natzke have made history with their coaching positions, and the league is moving towards having a female head coach in the future.
Bumstead's time with the Panthers has been invaluable for her growth as a coach. She has gained new perspectives on preparation and attention to detail from observing the team's practices and interacting with top players like Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov.
Her experience at the training camp has been a dream come true, allowing her to immerse herself in hockey discussions and on-ice instruction. Maurice's decision to have her behind the bench during the preseason game was intentional, aiming to showcase her coaching abilities and provide her with a unique learning opportunity.
Looking ahead, Bumstead is confident that her time with the Panthers will enhance her coaching skills and open doors for future opportunities in the hockey world.
