In a significant move for player development, the Vancouver Goldeneyes of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) have announced the hiring of legendary Canadian goaltender Charline Labonté as a player development consultant. The team made the announcement official on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
A Champion's Pedigree Joins the Ranks
Labonté is no stranger to the highest levels of hockey success. Her illustrious career includes representing Canada in eight world championships and three Olympic Games, securing multiple gold medals on the international stage. At the professional club level, she spent four seasons with the Montreal Canadiennes of the former Canadian Women's Hockey League, culminating her playing career by capturing the prestigious Clarkson Cup championship in the 2016-17 season.
Her transition from elite athlete to mentor is backed by formidable academic credentials. Labonté holds a teaching degree and, crucially, a master's degree in sports psychology from McGill University. Her connection to McGill runs deep, as she also led the university's Martlets women's hockey team to three national championships during her collegiate career.
More Than Just a Coach: A Mental Performance Guide
Since retiring from active play, Labonté has seamlessly blended her on-ice knowledge with her academic expertise. She has built a reputation as both a skilled goalie coach and a sought-after sports psychology consultant. This unique dual perspective allows her to address the complete athlete, focusing on both technical performance and the mental resilience required for professional sports.
"We're so excited to have Charline join our team," said Vancouver Goldeneyes General Manager Cara Gardner Morey in the team's official statement. "She has tremendous experience as an elite player and Olympian and is one of the best to ever play our sport. We're so happy that she can help guide and develop our players as they navigate their professional careers."
Strategic Addition for a Growing League
This hiring represents a strategic investment by the Goldeneyes in the holistic development of their roster. As the PWHL solidifies its foundation, the integration of experts like Labonté, who understand the unique pressures and pathways in women's professional hockey, is invaluable. Her role will be pivotal in helping players manage the psychological demands of a full-season schedule, media attention, and high-stakes competition.
Labonté's first official connection with her new team on the schedule will come soon. The Goldeneyes are set to face the Montreal Victoire on January 11 at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City, a matchup that will undoubtedly carry special significance for the Montreal-born hockey icon.
