Laura Schuler’s journey through the world of hockey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From a young girl lacing up her skates in Scarborough, Ontario, to leading the University of Minnesota Duluth Women’s Hockey Team as Head Coach, her path has been defined by passion, perseverance, and an unshakable belief in the power of leadership.
Her story begins at Northeastern University, where she arrived in 1989 with a scholarship and an insatiable drive to succeed. As a freshman, she wasted no time making her mark, tallying eight goals and 15 assists in just 21 games. Her relentless spirit and offensive prowess caught the attention of Team Canada, earning her a spot on the inaugural National Team roster. At the 1990 World Championship, she shined on the international stage, scoring four goals and adding two assists to help Canada claim gold. She returned to the tournament in 1992, determined to repeat the feat—and did just that.
As her collegiate career unfolded, Schuler’s leadership qualities became undeniable. She carried Northeastern on her back, recording 58 points over her sophomore and junior seasons before taking on the role of team captain in her final year. With the “C” on her jersey, she posted a career-high 36 points in 21 games, solidifying her legacy as one of the program’s greats.
But Schuler’s hockey story didn’t end there. She sought new challenges in the Central Ontario Women’s Hockey League, skating for the Scarborough Firefighters, Toronto Red Wings, and Newtonbrook Panthers. In 1997, she returned to the international stage with Team Canada, once again proving her mettle by notching five points in five games en route to her third World Championship gold medal. The following year, she lived out every player’s dream: competing in the Olympics.
By 2000, Schuler had hung up her skates as a player, but her love for the game never wavered. After a brief break, she found her way back to hockey—this time, behind the bench. In 2003, she took on the role of Head Coach at UMass-Boston, diving headfirst into the challenges of coaching. A year later, she returned to her alma mater, but this time with a clipboard in hand instead of a stick. Over four seasons at Northeastern, she learned the nuances of teaching the game, refining a coaching philosophy rooted in discipline, connection, and a deep understanding of her players.
In 2008, a new opportunity awaited at the University of Minnesota Duluth. As an Assistant Coach, Schuler brought her leadership expertise to a Bulldogs squad hungry for success. Just two years later, she celebrated a career milestone: UMD’s thrilling overtime victory over Cornell to win the National Championship.
Her coaching acumen didn’t go unnoticed. Team Canada came calling once again, offering her the chance to guide the next generation of talent. She began as an Assistant Coach for the U18 Women’s World Junior team in 2013-14 before taking the helm the following year. The responsibilities kept growing—by 2015, she was named Head Coach of the National Team, culminating in leading Canada to a silver medal at the 2018 Olympics.
Schuler’s journey eventually came full circle when she returned to Minnesota Duluth in 2021. By the 2024-25 season, she had earned the title of Head Coach, once again leading the Bulldogs toward greatness.
What makes Schuler’s approach so unique isn’t just her hockey IQ—it’s her ability to build something deeper. She fosters a culture where players feel valued as people first, athletes second. She believes that a team thrives on relationships, taking the time to know her players beyond the rink. Whether it’s sharing a meal with them or checking in one-on-one, Schuler understands that the best teams are built on trust.
Her strategic mind continues to shape the game. She was featured on The Coaches Site in an in-depth breakdown titled “Finding the Details,” offering insights into the intricacies of coaching. You can explore her thoughts here:
Off the ice, Schuler embraces adventure. Mountain biking fuels her competitive spirit, mirroring the intensity and determination she brings to the rink. Her passion for an active lifestyle extends beyond herself—she instills that same drive in her players, pushing them to grow not just as athletes, but as people.
This June, TCS Live welcomes Laura Schuler to share her remarkable insights on leadership, team-building, and the ever-evolving game of hockey. Her journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering love for the sport—a story that continues to inspire.
Purchase your TCS Live tickets to see Schuler and the other TCS presenters up close and in person!
