Hartley was a Trailblazing Coach who saw success at all levels
In the Coaches Category of the 2023 Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame, Field Hockey Canada is proud to induct Errol Hartley, a legendary figure whose influence on the sport has been profound. Hartley, renowned for his transformative coaching, played a crucial role in elevating Canadian field hockey to new heights.
“Errol was an exceptional coach who guided Canada from the shadows into the spotlight of modern field hockey in the 1970s,” recalls Alan Hobkirk, a former player under Hartley’s mentorship.
Hartley’s journey began in India, where his early athletic pursuits were focused on cricket. However, a pivotal experience during an apprenticeship in England shifted his focus to field hockey. “I found that hockey fit better into my schedule than cricket, which was time-consuming and it felt like a natural fit for me. By my late teens, my loyalty had shifted to hockey and I never looked back,” Hartley shares.
After playing in Essex and studying engineering at the University of London, Hartley’s path led him to Canada, where he joined the Joker’s Field Hockey Club and became deeply involved in the sport. An unexpected opportunity arose during the 1971 Pan American Games when he stepped into the role of coach. “Despite my limited coaching experience at the time, I was somehow appointed coach of the national team,” Hartley explains.
Coaching on the international stage was a first for Hartley, but he thrived under the bright lights. His coaching vision and strategy helped Canada secure a bronze medal at the 1971 Pan American Games, and his innovative approach in preparing for the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal led to a silver medal at the 1975 Pan American Games. “I realized the team needed a mix of youthful energy and experience to succeed,” Hartley notes.
Although 1976 marked his final season as national coach, his impact was far-reaching. His efforts laid the groundwork for Canada’s historic gold medal win at the 1983 Pan American Games.
“Errol showed us how to progress and improve, leading to a significant rise in Canada’s global ranking and prominence in field hockey,” said Hobkirk.
After stepping away from the national scene, Hartley continued to coach internationally, including stints with Zambia and Trinidad and Tobago. His legacy, marked by humility and dedication, has left a lasting impression on the sport. “Errol’s passion and commitment were evident in everything he did,” says Hobkirk. “He took Canada from being a minor player to a significant force on the world stage.”
As Errol Hartley joins the Field Hockey Canada Hall of Fame, his story is a testament to how vision, dedication, and a love for the game can create a lasting impact in the world of field hockey.
