NEWS: Ottawa Gee-Gees women’s hockey welcomes Ali Domenico as Head Coach

OTTAWA, ON – University of Ottawa Recreation and Varsity Sports is proud to welcome Ali Domenico as the next head coach of the Ottawa Gee-Gees women's hockey program.

Domenico, 37, is a native of Ottawa and will join the Gee-Gees after serving as associate head coach of the Providence Friars since 2021. Coming to the Friars as an assistant coach in 2018, Domenico helped guide the team to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021 and berth in the Hockey East Championship game in 2021 and 2024. Before Providence, Domenico served as an assistant coach at Syracuse from 2011-17, after starting her NCAA Division I coaching career as an assistant at Ohio State in 2010-11.

Internationally, Domenico brings outstanding experience on the coaching staff of the Canadian Women's National Team. Domenico was named an assistant coach for Team Canada at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics where Canada won Gold. Domenico was also an assistant coach as Canada won Gold at the 2022 IIHF Women's World Championship. Domenico also served as an assistant coach for the National Women's U18 Team in 2020-21, as well as other roles in the national program with Rivalry Series, Summer Showcase, and Development Camps.

"I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Ottawa Gee-Gees community and work with the women's hockey program," said Domenico.

"I look forward to continuing to build on the foundation that has been set, while developing our student-athletes both on and off the ice. I want to thank Sue Hylland and Danika Smith for their trust and belief in me to lead this team. I couldn't be more excited to get started."

Making the short trip south of Ottawa to St. Lawerence University, Domenico had a very productive playing career with the Saints from 2005-09 tallying 140 points (62 goals and 78 assists) in 153 games for the Saints. While in Canton, NY, Domenico went to four-consecutive NCAA Tournaments and reached the Frozen Four in 2006 and 2007. In her final season, while serving as an alternate captain, Domenico was named ECAC Defensive Forward of the Year as well as Second Team All-Conference.

"We are extremely excited and proud to welcome Ali to the Gee-Gees," said Danika Smith, Assistant Director, High Performance Athletics. "The Ottawa women's hockey community has been so proud of everything that Alison has accomplished in her career thus far and we look forward to having her come aboard to continue build something special with our program."

The Gee-Gees will kick off their 2024-25 campaign in the fall, marking the team's conference transition to the OUA. The OUA season schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. Domenico will officially commence her functions as head coach on July 2.