Geraldine Heaney returns as Toronto Six head coach

Geraldine Heaney is returning as coach of the Toronto Six after a successful yet somewhat bumpy first season behind the bench.

“I wasn’t too sure what I was getting into, coaching pro hockey is different from coaching minor hockey,” said Heaney, who led the Six to the Premier Hockey Federation title in March. “But I just enjoyed it so much, I love hockey, I love the sport. I knew it was a good opportunity last year, but I said I’d do it for a year and see where you’re at after that. I’m the type of person where I live for the day.

“But we had a successful season, and that wasn’t the only reason I’m returning. The biggest thing is the people on the team, they’re good players and they’re good people. I really enjoyed it.”

Heaney, 55, led the Six to a 17-5-2 regular-season record and a 3-1 mark in the playoffs that ended with an Isobel Cup win over Minnesota. The Six also named Jessica Turi and Mark Joslin as associate coaches for next season.

Heaney suffered a broken wrist in February while playing in a charity game with Six GM Angela James.

“It was A.J. who did it,” Heaney said, laughing. “She kind of hooked me, and I kept both hands on my stick, thinking she’d let go. But I fell to the ice and hit my wrist. I knew something was wrong, and they said, ‘Hey, you get a penalty shot there,’ but I said, ‘No way, my wrist is broken.’ ”

Heaney was behind the bench the next day. “I borrowed Angela’s coat to cover up the cast,” she said.

The Six have seven players re-signed for next season, and are expected to make some major announcements in the next few weeks. The club lost top scorer Brittany Howard to Boston and continue to work toward a contact with top playoff scorer Michela Cava.

“We’re confident we’ll be fine,” Heaney said, acknowledging the fact every PHF team has upgraded its roster in the off season. “It’s a sign of how good the league has become.”

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