Sports
Korenic nets coach of the year honours
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A member of the Richmond Ravens’ family is the BC Female Coach of the Year.
One of 17 individuals recognized nationally, Natalie Korenic was singled out by Hockey Canada for the honour.
Coach of the Richmond girls’ ice hockey Bantam A rep team, she was nominated by the association. The submission was enthusiastically embraced by players and parents alike. In a statement, the Ravens said the organization is “incredibly proud to have someone as dedicated and talented as part of our team of committed coaches. (Korenic) will surely inspire other girls to look to coaching in their future.”
Hockey Canada said there is arguably no more important role in hockey than that of coach. Tasked with guiding young players not only on the ice but off, they are leaders in hockey and in life.
Already a street hockey veteran, Korenic began playing organized ice hockey at the age of six. She took such a liking to the game that following a rewarding youth career, she pursued a career in coaching while maintaining her presence on the ice with the local women’s team—the Richmond Devils.
Always an ardent student of the game, she noted in a 2018 interview with the Sentinel that female hockey had changed dramatically from when she started playing. Notably, she said, its incredible growth in popularity.
“When I started there was a total of three teams in Richmond. Today, there are three teams for nine- and 10-year-olds alone.”
Class valedictorian of her 2010 graduating class at Steveston-London secondary, she is the marketing and communications manager at a biosystems company. The company is on the leading edge of bioprinting and tissue engineering.
Clearly a visionary, Korenic also brings that quality to the rink. Having coached at every level of Ravens’ hockey, she is well-versed in understanding different mindsets. But regardless of the goal, at the end of the day everyone wants to succeed. She implores her players to make the most of their experiences.