Engel-Natzke Becomes First Full-Time Woman NHL Coach With Capitals

The Washington Capitals announced on Thursday that they have promoted Emily Engel-Natzke to NHL video coordinator.

Engel-Natzke worked as the Capitals’ AHL-affiliate Hershey Bears‘ video coach during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns. There, she produced opponent pre-scouts and coaching reports, as well as in-game and postgame breakdowns. Now, she will join Washington’s NHL staff. She is the first full-time female coach in Capitals franchise history.

“We are extremely pleased to name Emily as our new video coordinator,” general manager Brian MacLellan said. “Emily’s work ethic, skill set and passion were displayed in her tenure with the Hershey Bears. And we feel she is ready and deserving of this opportunity. She will be a tremendous asset to our coaching staff.”

Before joining the Bears, the Colorado native had worked with the University of Wisconsin’s men’s and women’s hockey teams as a video coordinator. She also served as an assistant director of operations and video coordinator for the men’s team. Additionally, Engel-Natzke worked with USA hockey as a video coach for the U18 and Senior Women’s National Teams.

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She was also part of the gold-medal-winning staffs for the U18 team at the 2018 Women’s World Championship and the Senior Women’s Team at the 2019 World Championship.

“It’s really exciting. It’s kind of surreal. I’ve never really looked at myself in that lense,” Engel-Natzke said about being the franchise’s first full-time female coach. “…I’m more so just honored to be the first. And hopefully, that just opens the door even further.”

Head coach Peter Laviolette said he has seen great development and growth from Engel-Natzke. He also received great recommendations from Tony Granato, Brett Leonhardt and more.

“We feel like we hired a really qualified person that we brought into the organization two years ago and came in and did an outstanding job,” head coach Peter Laviolette added. “That’s what development’s all about. For me, we got the best person and that’s the most important thing. This was earned and deserved. I’m excited for the opportunity to work with Emily as well.”