EDMONTON, Alta. – NAIT Ooks longtime women's hockey head coach Deanna Martin (Iwankica) will be moving on from the ACAC, as she has accepted the women's hockey head coaching position for the University of Windsor Lancers in Ontario.

 "I would like to congratulate Deanna on her nomination as head coach of the Windsor Lancers. Head coaching opportunities at the U SPORTS level do not come along every day, and we are happy for her as she makes the next step in her career," stated NAIT Ooks Director of Athletics, John Bower. "Deanna is a pioneer of women's hockey at NAIT, although she is leaving the nest, the legacy of academic and sporting excellence she has established with the Ooks will remain a part of our women's hockey program going forward."

Martin (Iwanicka) leaves after a long and decorated coaching tenure at NAIT. Deanna coached the Ooks for the past ten seasons where she has captured three consecutive ACAC championships and was named ACAC Coach of the Year twice. Over the past ten seasons, Martin has a 128-72-18 regular season record and an overall ACAC record of 150-94-18.

"I'd like to thank NAIT for the opportunity provided. This institution has been the foundation for my career as a post-secondary athletics coach. I hope to take all that I have learned in the past ten years and represent the institution with pride as I move into my new role," said Martin (Iwanicka). "To all the student-athletes who have been a part of my experience, it has been unique and unforgettable. I thank you for this and wish each of you all the best in your future endeavors."

Deanna will now be relocating to Southwestern Ontario where she will begin her U SPORTS coaching career behind the bench of the Windsor Lancers of the OUA. "I am excited to transition into a U SPORTS position and continue to be better, better every single time, to be my best."

Mike Havey, the Director of Athletics and Recreation for the University of Windsor is looking forward to the addition of Martin (Iwanicka).

"The University of Windsor is thrilled to name Deanna as the first full-time women's hockey head coach in the history of our program," said Havey. "We are particularly excited to add a coach of the calibre and experience of Coach Martin (Iwanicka). She has done an outstanding job in building NAIT women's hockey into a perennial championship powerhouse. We look forward to her leading our Lancer women's hockey program in the years ahead."

An announcement concerning the 2018-19 Ooks women's hockey coaching staff will be made at a later date.  All inquiries should be directed to John Bower – E:jbower@nait.ca P: 780-471-8803

Sam Nahrgang • Sports Information • (780) 471-7606 • snahrgang@nait.ca