Howie Draper is the head coach of the Alberta Pandas women’s ice hockey program. He was named as the inaugural coach of the Pandas on September 1, 1997.[1]
Playing career
In 1984-85, Draper competed for the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior League. At season’s end, he was recognized as the Crusaders Best Defenceman and Rookie of the Year. From 1985 to 1990, Draper was a member of the Alberta Golden Bears men’s team. In his first season, he was part of the 1985-86 CIS National Championship team. Draper was the Golden Bears team captain in his fifth and final season (1989-90). He was the 1990 nominee for the Wilson Trophy and the Presidents Trophy Winner. After his university career, Draper played in the New South Wales Super League in Australia.
Coaching career
Draper’s first experience as head coach came in 1991-92 as the head coach for the MacQuarie Bears in New South Wales, Austrailia. As head coach of the Alberta Pandas women’s team, he was a six-time CIS National Champion: 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007).
Coaching record
| CIS Tournament champions | Conference Champions | Second place finish |
| Season | Coach | Conf. Record | Overall | Standings | Postseason |
| 1997-98 | Howie Draper | None | 3-1-0 | Does not apply | Fifth, CIS tournament |
| 1998-99 | Howie Draper | 4-1-1 | 20-8-3 | First | Second, CIS tournament |
| 1999-00 | Howie Draper | 15-1-1 | 26-3-1 | First | CIS tournament champions |
| 2000-01 | Howie Draper | 13-1-2 | 20-6-2 | Second | Did not qualify |
| 2001-02 | Howie Draper | 16-0-0 | 33-1-0 | First | CIS tournament champions |
| 2002-03 | Howie Draper | 19-0-1 | 34-0-1 | First | CIS tournament champions |
| 2003-04 | Howie Draper | 20-0-0 | 35-0-0 | First | CIS tournament champions |
| 2004-05 | Howie Draper | 20-0-0 | 28-1-0 | First | Second, CIS tournament |
| 2005-06 | Howie Draper | 16-1-3 | 27-3-3 | First | CIS tournament champions |
| 2006-07 | Howie Draper | 21-3-0 | 33-4-1 | First | CIS tournament champions |
| 2007-08 | Howie Draper | 21-2-1 | 29-5-1 | First | Fourth, CIS tournament |
| 2008-09 | Howie Draper | 22-2-0 | 26-5-0 | Second | Did not qualify |
| 2009-10 | Howie Draper | 23-1-0 | 33-1-0 | First | CIS tournament champions |
Awards and honors
- 1988-89 CIS Tournament All-Star Team
- 1992 League MVP; New South Wales Super League, Australia
- Two-time CIS Coach of the Year: 2002, 2004
- Four-time Canada West Coach of the Year: 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004