Addie Miles-Abbott, head coach of Mount Allison University’s women’s hockey team, is set to return to the Winter World University Games—but this time, as an assistant coach for Team Canada.
Miles-Abbott was a player for Canada in 2011 at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Winter World University Games.
She says it is a key memory she cherishes in her hockey career.
“I can still remember getting off the plane in Toronto and waiting for my other teammates from all over the country for us to get on a plane to go to Turkey,” she said.
Miles-Abbott emphasized the significance of her journey from player to coach, describing it as a full-circle moment.
“When my career ended with the bison’s in 2012, I dedicated my life to coaching and this was a goal of mine to get back to the FISU games.
Miles-Abbott shares a moment of having the unique chance to practice with international players in the 2011 FISU games.
“At that moment it was like we were all just hockey players and we’re here getting prepared for the competition,” Miles-Abbott said.
She also reminisced about her first encounter playing against Team USA, describing it as ‘the biggest rivalry ever’.
As she prepares for the games, Miles-Abbott focuses on inspiring the next generation of players, much like her coaches did for her.
“It’s now my job to be amazing for these athletes and to make sure they have all the same memories that I was so lucky to have,” she said.
The 2025 FISU Winter World University Games are in Torino, Italy.
The competition is set to start on January 13.
