Assistant Coach Madi Turley on Grit, Growth, and the Joy of the Game

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For Foothills Storm Assistant Coach Madi Turley, hockey is about more than just the scoreboard. It’s about the lessons, the laughter, and the love for the game that never fades.

“I believe in promoting grit and a competitive drive,” says Turley, “but it’s just as important to make sure we’re having fun while doing it.”

That balance between determination and joy defines her coaching philosophy — one that pushes players to be their best while remembering why they fell in love with hockey in the first place.

Building People, Not Just Players
For Turley, the greatest reward as a coach comes from the relationships she builds and the growth she gets to witness. “What motivates me most is the ability to offer support on and off the ice, and to make a positive impact on the team,” she says. “I get to engage with future leaders of our community and watch them grow — not just in sport, but in their day-to-day lives.”
It’s a perspective shaped by her own experience as a former AJFHL player. Now, standing behind the bench instead of sitting on it, she sees the game through a new lens — one that values mentorship and connection just as much as competition.

A Young Team with Big Energy
This year’s Foothills Storm lineup is bringing something special to the ice — a fresh sense of enthusiasm and dedication. “Our team this year is quite young, and it’s brought a different attitude,” says Turley. “There’s a contagious, playful energy coupled with a seriousness to compete that balances so well with our experienced returners. The blend of perspectives and strengths has created a consistent, hardworking culture.”
It’s that mix — the excitement of youth and the composure of veterans — that gives the Storm their unique identity this season.

Confidence Through Compassion
When it comes to building confidence, Turley focuses on perspective. “It’s okay to make mistakes,” she reminds her players. “At the end of the day, we’re all human — and the game of hockey is never perfect. Every shift is a new challenge, and it’s all about the attitude you bring to it.”
She makes sure her team understands their shared purpose: to play a sport they all love. “We’re here because we’re passionate about hockey,” she says. “We all share common goals — and one of the biggest is to have fun and work hard.”

A League That Feels Like Home
Turley’s connection to the AJFHL runs deep — it’s where she ended her own playing career. “I had the privilege to finish my hockey career in this league,” she says. “Now, being able to coach for the Foothills Storm and be part of a community uplifting women’s hockey has been tremendous.”
She believes the league provides invaluable opportunities — both athletic and academic. “It’s an awesome chance for players to continue playing at a competitive level into their early twenties, while also pursuing scholarships and education,” she adds.

Redefining Success
For Turley, success isn’t measured in goals or wins — it’s in the effort, accountability, and growth that happen every day. “Beyond wins and losses, if we can feel satisfied with our effort in games and practices and take accountability, we’re successful,” she explains.

“Accountability means giving 100% to the team and our shared goals. Every challenge is a chance to learn, adapt, and move forward — both as individuals and as a collective.”

Her advice for young players echoes her entire approach:
“Be competitive and determined, but don’t lose sight of why you play the game in the first place.”

Under Turley’s leadership, the Foothills Storm continue to embody that message — playing with heart, competing with purpose, and never forgetting the joy that brought them to the rink.