Mount Royal Cougars women's hockey head coach
Scott Rivett is set to take the international stage, named to the Czech Republic women's national team coaching staff for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina.
The Czech Ice Hockey Association confirmed that head coach Carla MacLeod and her full staff, including Rivett, will return to lead the national team through the next Olympic cycle. Rivett joined the Czech bench earlier this year at the 2025 IIHF Women's World Championship, where the team finished fourth, narrowly missing a medal after a strong semifinal run.
This appointment marks the first Olympic appearance for Rivett, whose resume already includes a legacy of success at the collegiate level.
"This is a tremendous honour for Scott and a well-earned recognition of his coaching abilities," said
Rob Godfrey, Associate Director of Athletics at MRU. "To see one of our own representing not only Mount Royal but Canada on an Olympic bench is incredibly special. It reflects the quality of leadership we've had in our program for over a decade."
Rivett has been at the helm of the Cougars since before their transition to U SPORTS in 2012. Under his leadership, the team has become one of the top programs in Canada, highlighted by a U SPORTS national championship in 2023. He was named Canada West Coach of the Year in 2024 after leading MRU to a 20-7-1 record and the second-highest goal total in the conference.
Before joining MRU, Rivett spent eight years in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), including four as head coach of the SAIT Trojans. He captured four provincial titles and was named ACAC Coach of the Year four times. His 107 regular-season wins remain the most in ACAC women's hockey history.
With international experience now added to his resume, Rivett continues to solidify his place among Canada's elite women's hockey coaches. His ability to translate success across levels, from college championships to the Olympic Games speaks volumes about his adaptability, leadership, and hockey mind.
As the countdown to Milan and Cortina begins, Rivett's journey reflects the global impact of Canadian coaching and the growing reach of MRU's women's hockey program.
