Professional Women’s Hockey League Appoints Brian Idalski as Head Coach
In a significant move for its inaugural season, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Vancouver franchise has appointed Brian Idalski as its first head coach, a decision revealed on Monday. Idalski comes with a robust coaching background and a reputation for success, having effectively led various teams across different competitive levels.
Cara Gardner Morey, the general manager of PWHL Vancouver, expressed confidence in his capabilities, stating, “Brian is a proven winner who knows our sport, the players, and has coached at the highest levels. His experience in transforming teams, whether in professional leagues, at the Olympic level, or in collegiate hockey, really stands out. I’m thrilled to see how his vision will shape our foundation in Vancouver.”
Idalski’s Coaching Experience
Idalski’s coaching experience is extensive; for the last three years, he has been the head coach of the St. Cloud State Huskies women’s team. Before that role, he dedicated a decade to coaching at the University of North Dakota and five years at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. His experience also includes leading the Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays to two ZhHL championships and managing the Chinese National Women’s Team during the Beijing 2022 Olympics.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Idalski remarked, “I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to join an organization and city like Vancouver. I want to thank Cara and the league for their trust and belief in me. The PWHL has made a tremendous impact on the global game, and being part of this expansion is an exciting opportunity. Having worked with many of the players in the league, I am eager to engage with the exceptional talent on our team, which I believe is fantastic. I accept the challenges that come with our high expectations.”
PWHL Launch and Future Plans
The PWHL officially launched in January 2024, starting with six teams. Following this, the league revealed its plans for expansion to include teams in both Seattle and Vancouver, with an expansion draft conducted on June 9.
PWHL Vancouver is set to play its inaugural game this upcoming fall at the Pacific Coliseum, a venue with a rich sports history, having previously housed teams such as the WHL’s Vancouver Giants and the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks. Additionally, the league will host the 2025 PWHL Draft on Tuesday in Ottawa.
