University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Athletics has named Michelle Janus as the new head coach of the women’s hockey program, the eighth head coach in the program’s history.

“I am very excited for this opportunity,” says Janus. “I am proud to be a Pronghorn and I look forward to the challenge of building a program of excellence here at the University of Lethbridge.”

No stranger to CIS hockey, Janus spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Ryerson University Rams women’s hockey program. Originally from Binbrook, Ont., Janus was part of the inaugural staff for the program when it began in 2010. During her time with Ryerson, she saw the program build from a one-win team in its first season to 13 wins during the 2014-15 season.

At Ryerson, Janus worked under Lisa Haley, who is a long-time participant with the Canadian National program, was most recently named the Canadian U18 head coach and was part of the coaching staff at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Recently, Janus served as an assistant coach with the Mississauga Chiefs of the Provincial Women’s Hockey League in Ontario and has also been involved with the provincial program in Ontario. Prior to getting into coaching, Janus played semi-pro hockey in Europe with stops in Cardiff, Wales and Vasterhanginge, Sweden.

Janus’ official start date is July 13 and she is anxious to start building relationships with both returning and incoming players, as well as the Lethbridge community.

“I am eager to start collaborating with alumni and local community groups to build Pronghorn Hockey here in the city of Lethbridge,” she says.

University of Lethbridge women’s hockey head coaches

Kent Prior/Jason Gill – 1997-98
Jim Fetter – 1998-99
Cory McLean – 1999-2000
Rob Morgan – 2000-01
Doug McLeod – 2001-08
Chandy Kaip – 2008-14
Hailey Wood – 2014-15 (interim)
Michelle Janus – 2015 – present