“POWERING THE FUTURE! — Oilers Development Camp Welcomes Trailblazing Guest Coaches Kennedy Ganser, Erin Ambrose, and Jess Healey to Inspire the Next Generation”
The Edmonton Oilers Development Camp has always been a crucible for potential, a proving ground where future NHL stars take their first steps toward the spotlight under the watchful eyes of the organization’s development staff. But in this year’s edition, something even more special happened—an infusion of diverse hockey intellect and trailblazing mentorship arrived in the form of three guest coaches who brought not only knowledge but a fresh, transformative energy to the ice. University of Alberta Pandas assistant coach Kennedy Ganser, Victoire de Montréal star defender Erin Ambrose, and Northern Alberta Xtreme Academy U18 Female Prep head coach Jess Healey joined the Oilers for a dynamic and inspiring week that bridged generations, challenged norms, and advanced the future of hockey in meaningful ways.
The inclusion of Ganser, Ambrose, and Healey wasn’t a token gesture; it was a strategic and impactful decision rooted in a commitment to excellence, representation, and development. These coaches are not only veterans of the women’s game—they are students and teachers of it, molded by high-pressure environments and now paying their experience forward to the next wave of talent. Their presence was felt from the first whistle to the final skate, bringing a unique blend of structure, insight, and heart to a camp traditionally dominated by male voices.
Kennedy Ganser has long been regarded as a rising star in coaching circles. A former standout for the Alberta Pandas, Ganser transitioned smoothly into coaching, bringing the same tenacity and hockey IQ she was known for as a player into her new role on the bench. Her voice commands respect, not just because of her playing résumé, but because of her attention to detail, teaching ability, and the authenticity she brings to every interaction. At the Oilers Development Camp, she seamlessly integrated herself into on-ice drills, video review sessions, and player feedback meetings, quickly gaining the trust of young prospects who recognized her passion and knowledge of the game.
Erin Ambrose’s presence was a statement all its own. A member of Team Canada, an Olympic medalist, and a foundational player for Victoire de Montréal in the newly established PWHL, Ambrose carries a resumé that speaks volumes. But what stood out most during the camp was not just her accolades, but her teaching spirit. Ambrose leaned into her role, engaging players one-on-one, emphasizing positioning, gap control, and smart decision-making from the blue line. Her ability to break down complex defensive principles and translate them into digestible lessons made her a valuable asset, particularly for young defensemen looking to sharpen their skills in today’s fast, fluid NHL game.
Jess Healey rounded out the trio with a reputation that precedes her across Western Canada. As the U18 Female Prep head coach at Northern Alberta Xtreme Academy, she is no stranger to developing elite talent. Her methods are tough but fair, and her players are known for being tactically sound, physically conditioned, and mentally prepared. Healey brought that same level of discipline to the Oilers camp, often pushing tempo during practice, challenging the prospects to play with pace and intensity, and holding them accountable for every rep. Her communication style—firm, direct, yet encouraging—resonated with a group of young men looking to earn their spot in the pro ranks.
Collectively, these three women reshaped the energy and tempo of the camp, offering different perspectives that enriched the developmental experience. Their presence reinforced the idea that hockey intelligence and leadership are not confined by gender, and that progress on the ice must also be mirrored off it. While the players were being molded into future NHLers, the organization itself was taking steps toward becoming more inclusive, forward-thinking, and reflective of the modern hockey landscape.
There’s something particularly powerful about seeing men’s professional prospects getting coached by women who’ve battled through different yet equally intense hockey journeys. The respect was mutual. Players were engaged, listening intently, adapting quickly to feedback from Ganser, Ambrose, and Healey. Whether it was during power-play simulation, neutral zone transitions, or post-practice cool-downs, the dialogue between coaches and players was organic and instructive. These weren’t just guest appearances; they were collaborations rooted in shared passion for development and excellence.
From an organizational perspective, the Oilers deserve credit for not only recognizing the value of diverse coaching voices but actively bringing them into the fold. Development camps are more than just skating sessions—they’re cultural touchpoints where habits are formed, identities are shaped, and relationships are built. By inviting these three women to participate as equal contributors in that process, the Oilers are making it clear they view diversity as a strength, not a checkbox.
For Ganser, Ambrose, and Healey, the week was a milestone, but not a novelty. Each of them has already established themselves as serious hockey minds, and their goals extend far beyond temporary stints. They are part of a growing wave of female coaches who are not just breaking into the traditionally male-dominated coaching sphere—they’re reshaping it. Their involvement at the camp is part of a broader movement across the hockey world to bring in new ideas, amplify underrepresented voices, and make the sport more reflective of the communities it serves.
It’s impossible to quantify exactly how much of an impact they had on the young players in attendance, but it’s safe to say their influence won’t soon be forgotten. A moment of encouragement during a tough drill, a correction in body positioning that leads to a cleaner breakout, a quiet word after a scrimmage that sticks with a player all year—these are the intangible benefits of having experienced, invested coaches in the mix. And these coaches brought all of that, and more.
Beyond the ice, the trio also participated in leadership sessions, mentorship panels, and informal conversations that helped demystify the path to pro hockey. For some prospects, it was the first time they’d seen female coaches operating at this level. For others, it reinforced the idea that great coaching can come from anyone who understands the game, communicates well, and cares deeply. The walls came down, the learning accelerated, and the culture took a noticeable step forward.
For the Oilers organization, this camp was an investment—not just in their prospects, but in the future of hockey leadership. Development isn’t a one-way street. As players grow, so too must the structures around them. By bringing in voices like Ganser, Ambrose, and Healey, the team is building a more robust, inclusive, and dynamic development culture that is likely to yield dividends for years to come.
The ripple effects of their involvement will extend far beyond the camp. Other organizations will take note. Young women watching from the stands or online will see the path forward a little more clearly. Aspiring coaches, regardless of gender, will be inspired to push through barriers and chase opportunities previously considered out of reach. And for the players who had the privilege of learning from three of the best minds in the game, the experience will remain a highlight in their developmental journey.
As the Edmonton Oilers continue to build a team capable of contending in the NHL’s ultra-competitive landscape, it’s this kind of bold, progressive thinking that can set them apart. Talent development is no longer just about reps and drills—it’s about culture, mentorship, and the willingness to embrace evolution. With Ganser, Ambrose, and Healey leading the way, the Oilers didn’t just run a development camp. They ran a masterclass in what the future of hockey should look like.
