How hockey helped Toronto Sceptres coach Troy Ryan find a way out of poverty

As Troy Ryan stood at the gate, waiting to enter the Olympic opening ceremonies, his mind flooded with memories of the people who had helped him reach this moment. From his teacher in Spryfield, N.S., who pushed him to join all the sports at school to keep him out of trouble, to his mother who always found a way to support his sports dreams, and his sister who had been a constant presence in his life.

There was also the minor hockey coach who taught him how to put shingles on a roof in exchange for hockey school fees, the friends’ parents who welcomed him into their homes, and the friend who convinced him to try out for the University of New Brunswick hockey team. All of these people played a role in shaping Ryan’s journey to the Olympics, where he would lead the Canadian women’s national team to a gold medal as head coach.

As he reflected on all those who had supported him, Ryan felt a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation. He knew that his success was not just his own, but the result of the collective efforts of those who had believed in him along the way. And as he led the Canadian women’s team to another Olympics in 2026, he carried with him the lessons and values instilled in him by those who had helped him get to where he was.

Coaching the Toronto Sceptres in the PWHL, Ryan felt a different kind of emotion. Being a part of a league that had been created through the sacrifices and hard work of so many women was a humbling experience for him. He understood the significance of the league and the opportunities it provided for young female athletes, and he was honored to be a part of it.

Hockey had been Ryan’s ticket out of poverty, introducing him to a world of possibilities and opportunities he never would have imagined. Whenever he needed perspective, he thought about how close he had come to not being able to play the sport he loved. Now, hockey not only filled his heart but also paid his mortgage, a testament to the hard work and perseverance that had brought him to this point.

Looking back on his coaching journey, Ryan realized that every experience had shaped him into the coach and leader he had become. From coaching junior and university hockey across the Maritimes to building a program from scratch in Campbellton, he had learned the value of hard work, dedication, and building relationships with the community.

As he continued to lead the Canadian women’s national team to success on the world stage, Ryan remained grateful for the support and guidance he had received along the way. He knew that his journey was a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the belief that anything is possible with the right support system. And as he looked ahead to the next Olympics in 2026, he carried with him the lessons and values instilled in him by all those who had played a role in his success.