Mel Davidson joins the PHF as Director, League and Hockey Operations

The PHF announced today that Melody Davidson will be the Director, League and Hockey Operations. She was appointed by PHF commissioner Reagan Carey.

Davidson coached Team Canada to consecutive Olympic gold medals in women’s hockey in 2006 and 2010 and served as General Manager of Team Canada up until 2018. She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Red Deer College and then went on to graduate from the National Coaching Institute at the University of Calgary.

“Mel reflects the integrity, experience, and success we value in the PHF and her influence will surely raise the bar for our league in all facets. I’m extremely energized for what’s to come as we join forces to advance professional women’s hockey across North America on behalf of the PHF,” said Carey in the press release.

In the newly created role Davidson will provide guidance to the department currently led by Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations, Lisa Haley.

“Mel has been a mentor of mine from the very beginning of my professional career and I was fortunate to work with her throughout each of my experiences with the Canadian National Women’s Team and at various IIHF high-performance camps,” said Haley in the press release. “I have seen for myself the love she has for the game and the drive she has for building successful programs. Mel will play an integral role as the PHF continues its vision of growing and sustaining professional women’s hockey across North America,” said Haley.

Davidson has established a history of success, whether in women’s hockey or elsewhere in her career. In 36 events with Team Canada as either head coach, assistant coach, general manager, or head scout, Davidson has brought home a medal 36 times. Davidson has also worked as a high performance advisor with Own the Podium, a Canadian not-for-profit organization that helps athletes achieve medal finishes at the Olympic Games. Davidson will continue in a full-time role with Own the Podium, working with summer sport athletes.

“This is an exciting time for women’s hockey with more growth potential and opportunities for athletes than ever before,” said Davidson. “I believe the PHF has built a solid foundation and I’m really looking forward to working with Reagan and Lisa to help advance the game forward for elite athletes who want and deserve to continue developing and competing at the highest professional level.”

Davidson’s first link to the PHF was the 2022 All-Star Showcase where she got behind the bench as an honorary guest coach alongside Megan Chayka and Sami-Jo Small.

“I’m super excited that Mel is joining the PHF in a formal role and I can’t wait to see all of the great things she will do for the league,” said Minnesota Whitecaps forward Allie Thunstrom, who captained the All-Star team coached by Davidson. “Mel brings so much experience to the table and is an incredibly well respected person in the hockey world. We had a blast together in Buffalo where it was a unique opportunity getting to know her and seeing her passion for the game up close.”

Davidson is set to provide guidance on general hockey operations as well as guidance and support on the structure of the regular season, playoffs and offseason processes. She will also help to manage relationships with partners across hockey in North America as well as internationally.