Steve O鈥橰ourke was named coach of the PWHL Seattle expansion team on Friday.
The move brings in a newcomer to women鈥檚 hockey, but someone who is very familiar to the Pacific Northwest having played at Washington State.
鈥淭his is something I鈥檝e thought about since the league was first announced,鈥� O鈥橰ourke said in a statement. 鈥淭o 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. Being from the West and having played hockey in Washington State, I鈥檝e seen first-hand how much the game has grown in this region. The passion and support for hockey here is real, and I鈥檓 proud to now be part of it in a new way."
While the roster is still being constructed, O'Rourke will have the benefit of coaching a team featuring four-time Olympian Hilary Knight, who became the during the PWHL鈥檚 expansion process two weeks ago.
鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to welcome Steve as the first head coach in PWHL Seattle鈥檚 history,鈥� PWHL Seattle general manager Meghan Turner said in a statement. 鈥淗e 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. We鈥檙e confident in his leadership and excited to start this next chapter with him behind the bench.鈥�
The 50-year-old O'Rourke comes in with 15 years of coaching experience, most recently having worked in the junior ranks with the Ontario Hockey League's Oshawa Generals. He was an assistant with the Generals for two years before being elevated to head coach for the 2024-25 season.
Seattle is already , with Turner already envisioning her top two lines. Knight, who finished tied for the PWHL lead with 29 points last season, is also joined by two-time U.S. Olympian Alex Carpenter and Canada鈥檚 Danielle Serdachny, who was selected by Ottawa as the No. 2 pick in last year鈥檚 draft.
Seattle will participate in its first PWHL Draft on June 24, when it will make six picks, including the eighth overall selection.
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The Associated Press
