Troy Ryan, the head coach of Canada’s women’s hockey team, faced significant pressure after his team suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against the U.S. in a recent game. Although Ryan typically maintains a strong attitude, the morning after such a humiliating loss, he took a moment for himself by going to downtown Milan for a coffee and reflecting on the situation. Rather than getting discouraged, he chose to regroup and focus on the future.

In an uplifting display of camaraderie, Ryan received words of encouragement from various figures within the tight-knit hockey coaching community. Among the messages that stood out was one from Rick Bowness, a fellow Nova Scotian and NHL coach, who resonated with Ryan's predicament and offered support during this challenging time. The bond among coaches, whether in men’s or women’s hockey, reflects a universal understanding of the pressures and expectations in the sport, especially during critical moments of competition.

Ryan’s experience highlights not only the challenges of high-stakes coaching but also the importance of community and support in professional sports. Moving forward, as Ryan prepares for upcoming games, the collective encouragement from his peers may play a significant role in fostering resilience and a positive mindset in face of adversity.