The Newfoundland Growlers are adding a Hockey Hall of Famer to their coaching staff ahead of their upcoming series.

Danielle Goyette, a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, joins the club temporarily in response to Head Coach Eric Wellwood not being available after entering COVID-19 protocol earlier this week.

Following her retirement from a decorated playing career in 2007, Goyette turned her attention to coaching, first with the University of Calgary, where she won a national championship.

She went on to serve as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the World Championships in 2012, and again at the 2014 Olympic Games.

She was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017.

Since May of last year, Goyette has served as the Director of Player Development for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In joining the Growlers, Goyette becomes the first female coaching staff member to take to the bench for an ECHL game.

Goyette and the Growlers return to action tonight, kicking off a seven-game home stand against the Reading Royals.

The Growlers are proud to announce that Danielle Goyette has joined the club’s coaching staff ahead of tonight’s game versus the @ReadingRoyals.

With her debut tonight, Danielle will become the First Female Assistant Coach in @ECHL history. #RANTnROARhttps://t.co/Hhq1c4uPGG

— Newfoundland Growlers (@NLGrowlers) February 3, 2022