Chad Baron has been named the first head coach of the Medicine Hat College Rattlers women's hockey team. (Photo Courtesy Medicine Hat College Rattlers)

By Chris Brown

Rattlers name Chad Baron first head coach of women’s hockey team

Jul 4, 2023 | 3:47 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat College Rattlers women’s hockey team didn’t have to look far to find its first head coach.

Chad Baron served as the interim coach last year during the team’s exhibition season. The Rattlers are officially in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference for the 2023-24 season and Baron is officially the head coach.

“It’s an honour to be selected as the first head coach for women’s hockey here in Medicine Hat, and to be part of building a collegiate level female hockey program that southeast Alberta can be proud of,” says Baron in a release announcing the news.

“We’re excited to bring these athletes together and help them find success, both on and off the ice. We’ve assembled a team of experienced and talented players who are ready to be a part of and build on the proud tradition of being a Rattler athlete at Medicine Hat College. We are all committed to making the MHC Rattlers women’s hockey program one that future players aspire to play for!”

Baron was head coach of the U16 AAA SEAC Tigers from September 2016 through 2020 after one year as an assistant coach with the team. He also coached the U15 AA team for two seasons and the U13 AA team for three seasons in the Medicine Hat Minor Hockey Association. Baron is currently an instructor at Medicine Hat College in the steamfitting/pipefitting apprenticeship program.

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Terry Ballard, MHC’s manager of athletics and recreation, says they’re lucky to have Baron.

“He brings many years of hockey coaching experience to the Rattlers and a high level of enthusiasm and passion for the sport,” says Ballard. “Chad is a strong supporter of developing the total student-athlete, which fits well with the Rattlers athletics three pillars – athletics, academics and citizenship.”

The women’s hockey team starts its inaugural season in the ACAC on Oct. 7 against NAIT. The full schedule will be released soon. All practices and home games will be at the Moose Recreation Centre at 602 Division Ave. S.

READ MORE: Women’s hockey signings begin for upcoming Rattlers season

The program has so far signed nearly 20 players to the team for the upcoming season. The team is continuing to recruit and anybody interested in playing can contact Baron via email at cbaron@mhc.ab.ca.

For more information on the Rattlers, visit rattlers.ca.