PWHL Appoints First Head Coach
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has made a significant step towards its inaugural season by appointing Steve O’Rourke as its first head coach. This announcement was made public by the team on Friday, with General Manager Meghan Turner expressing her excitement about O’Rourke’s involvement.
Turner highlighted O’Rourke’s extensive knowledge of the sport and his dedication to player development, stating, “We’re proud to welcome Steve as the first head coach in PWHL Seattle’s history. He has a clear vision for the future of our team and a commitment to our players as individuals. We are confident in his ability to lead us as we embark on this new journey.”
O’Rourke’s Coaching Background
Before taking on this pivotal role, O’Rourke had a notable tenure with the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He began as an assistant coach before advancing to the head coach position for the 2024-25 season, although his time in charge was unexpectedly cut short when he was dismissed in December, despite leading the team to first place in their division at the time.
O’Rourke’s Enthusiasm for the Role
Expressing his enthusiasm for this new role, O’Rourke remarked,
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the PWHL. This opportunity to work alongside the best talent in the sport and contribute to a league that is thriving on and off the ice is remarkable. As someone from the West and familiar with hockey culture in Washington State, I’ve witnessed the game’s growth in this area firsthand. The community’s passion for hockey is genuine, and I am thrilled to be part of it in this new capacity. I look forward to collaborating with Meghan Turner and the rest of the players to develop something truly special.”
Expansion of PWHL
The addition of the PWHL franchise in Seattle follows the recent expansion of the league, which also includes a new team in Vancouver. The Seattle team is set to make its first appearance this fall at the Climate Pledge Arena, which is also home to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, marking a new chapter in women’s professional hockey in the Pacific Northwest.
