Field Hockey Canada celebrates the contributions of Patrick Tshutshani as he moves on from role
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the staff departure of Patrick Tshutshani as Head Coach of the Men’s National Team. During Patrick’s tenure with Field Hockey Canada, he embedded himself in the hockey community across Canada, working across junior and senior programs and impacting at all levels.
When he joined FHC in 2019, Tshutshani took the role as Women’s NextGen director and Junior Women’s Head Coach in Canada. He led the junior national team to a Pan American Gold in 2021, qualifying them for the Junior World Cup.
In 2022, Patrick took on the role of Senior Men’s National Team Head Coach. He led the program for four years with incredible drive, competitiveness, integrity and program building creativity. He connected with athletes across the pipeline and gave back to the organization and the country in an irreplaceable way. Over the past few years, the Men’s National Team has been in transition to a new, young and exciting core. Patrick has led this group and built up their experience at the top level. He departs having built the team with an exciting new generation of athletes who are ready to excel at future international competitions.
“Working with Field Hockey Canada has meant a great deal to me, both professionally and personally. It has provided me with the opportunity to contribute to a program built on strong values, passionate people, and a genuine commitment to growing the game in Canada,” Tshutshani said. “Leading the Men’s National Team has been a privilege, one I have approached with a deep sense of responsibility and pride. What I will miss most is the environment we worked hard to build. I will also miss the people, the staff and support teams, who care deeply about the program and invest so much of themselves into it. These relationships and shared experiences, both on and off the field, have been incredibly meaningful. I will miss the athletes who committed themselves fully to the journey, as well as the families whose unwavering support provided energy and belief at every step along the way.”
Susan Ahrens, Field Hockey Canada CEO said that although the team and the organization will miss Patrick greatly, she is also proud at what he’s accomplished and happy to have had his contribution over the past six years.
“We are lucky to have such a fantastic group of staff working to serve our community and in Patrick we have had someone who epitomises who we are and what we do. He’s worked hard to raise high performance standards within every team he’s worked with. He’s had a huge impact on the men’s program in the past four years. On behalf of the staff, board and extended community field hockey family in Canada, we extend our thanks and best wishes to Patrick.”
Patrick said this was a difficult decision but ultimately best for him at this time. He has so much pride and love for the work he’s done in Canada and looking forward to the next steps as well.
“While I believe this is the right decision for me at this time, I leave with a deep sense of appreciation for what we have built together and for the people who have been part of that journey.”
We wish Patrick and his family all the best moving forward. From everyone at Field Hockey Canada: thank you, Patty!
