The Arizona Coyotes made history Wednesday as they became the first NHL team to hire a woman as a full-time coach. Dawn Braid, who was the team's part-time skating consultant last season, has been bumped up to full-time skating coach.

 

While Braid won't be on the bench, her role will prove extremely important to the players, especially the number of high-end prospects the Coyotes will have matriculating to their NHL roster over the next few seasons. As the league continues to get faster and faster, continuing to work on skating development only becomes more crucial.

 

Before working with the Coyotes, Braid spent time as an independent consultant working with a number of NHL teams including the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames and Toronto Maple Leafs. She has also been a private skating coach, working with individual players. One of her highest-profile clients was New York Islanders captain John Tavares.

 

Braid, unavailable to speak with the media Wednesday, released a statement through the team.

 

"I'm very excited about this opportunity with the Coyotes," said Braid. "I'm looking forward to working with Dave Tippett and his coaching staff and all the great players in the organization."