A hockey coach originally from Summerland has been named the first-ever head coach of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) Seattle franchise as the team prepares for its inaugural season
鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to welcome Steve as the first head coach in PWHL Seattle鈥檚 history,鈥� said PWHL Seattle general manager Meghan Turner.
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�
O鈥橰ourke has had extensive hockey experience as a player and as a coach. For the past two and a half years, he has been with the Ontario Hockey League鈥檚 Osawa Generals as an assistant coach and as the head coach for the 2024-2025 season.
Earlier, he spent six seasons with the Prince George Cougars in the Western Hockey League (WHL) as an associate coach and director of player development.
He played defence and was selected by the New York Islanders in the 1992 NHL draft, while he was a member of the Tri-City Americans in the WHL.
鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly excited to be joining the Professional Women's Hockey League,鈥� said O鈥橰ourke.
鈥淭his is something I鈥檝e thought about since the league was first announced. 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.鈥�
He added that the passion and support for hockey in the PWHL have impressed him.
鈥淭o have the opportunity to help shape the Seattle team alongside Meghan Turner and the players is something I don鈥檛 take for granted,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an exciting challenge, and I鈥檓 looking forward to building something special with this group.鈥�
The PWHL's first season was 2023-2024. At the time, the league had six teams.
PWHL Seattle and PWHL Vancouver are being added as expansion teams for the upcoming campaign.
