PWHL Seattle taps Steve O’Rourke as the expansion team’s 1st coach

Steve O’Rourke has been appointed as the head coach of the PWHL Seattle expansion team, marking a significant milestone in his coaching career. O’Rourke, a familiar face in the Pacific Northwest due to his playing days at Washington State, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to work with top-tier players in the professional women’s hockey league.

“This is something I’ve thought about since the league was first announced,” O’Rourke shared in a statement. “To now be given the opportunity to work with the best players in the world and be part of a professional league that is thriving both on and off the ice is truly amazing.”

As the team’s roster is still taking shape, O’Rourke will have the privilege of coaching elite athletes like four-time Olympian Hilary Knight, who was the first player to sign with Seattle during the expansion process.

“We’re proud to welcome Steve as the first head coach in PWHL Seattle’s history,” stated PWHL Seattle general manager Meghan Turner. “He brings a great hockey mind, a clear vision for the game, and a strong commitment to developing both our team and our players as individuals.”

With 15 years of coaching experience, O’Rourke most recently served in the junior ranks with the Ontario Hockey League’s Oshawa Generals. His leadership and expertise are expected to guide Seattle towards success in the upcoming season.

Seattle’s forward lineup is already impressive, with Knight leading the charge alongside accomplished players like Alex Carpenter and Danielle Serdachny. The team is gearing up for the PWHL Draft on June 24, where they will have the opportunity to add promising talent to their roster.

In other league news, the Montreal Victoire made significant moves by signing forward Jade Downie-Landry and defender Maggie Flaherty. Downie-Landry brings her scoring prowess to Montreal after a successful stint with the New York Sirens, while Flaherty joins the team following back-to-back Walter Cup titles with the Minnesota Frost.

Additionally, former Victoire forward Mikyla Grant-Mentis is set to join PWHL Seattle on a two-year deal, adding depth and skill to the expanding team. The PWHL Draft promises to bring further excitement as teams look to secure top prospects for the upcoming season.

Across the league, teams like the Toronto Sceptres, Boston Fleet, and New York continue to bolster their rosters with key signings. The upcoming season is shaping up to be an exciting one, filled with talent, competition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence on the ice.