The expansion PWHL Vancouver team has named Brian Idalski as the first head coach in franchise history on Monday. Idalski joins the club having most recently served as the head coach of the St. Cloud State University women’s hockey program for the past 3 seasons.
“Brian is a proven winner who knows our sport, the players, and has coached at the highest levels,” said Cara Gardner Morey, PWHL Vancouver General Manager. “What stands out in Brian’s experience is his ability to build and transform the programs he is a part of, from his work in professional leagues, at the Olympics, and turning collegiate teams into nationally ranked contenders. I’m excited that he will lead our incredible group in Vancouver and can’t wait to see his vision and influence shape our foundation.”
With over 20 years of coaching experience, and several coaching honours to his name (including the 2022-23 USCHO Coach of the Year award), the 54 year old also has several connections to current PWHL Vancouver players, theoretically making his transition a smooth one. Idalski coached Michela Cava and Hannah Miller with the KRS Vanke Rays, winning two ZhHL titles between 2019-2022.
Idalski also has experience at the international level, having coached the Chinese national team for the 2022 Olympic Winter games in Beijing.
“I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to join an organization and city like Vancouver and want to thank Cara and the league for their trust and belief in me,” said Idalski. “The PWHL has had a huge impact on the global game, and to be a part of that – with expansion helping push it even further forward – is an unbelievable feeling. I’ve been associated with a lot of players across the PWHL, either coaching them personally or against them over the years, so this role brings me full circle with an eagerness to work with the league’s world-class talent. The team that Cara has assembled is fantastic and I embrace the challenge that comes with our high expectations.”
A native of Warren, MI, Idalski played 4 years at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point as a defenceman between 1991-1995. From there he would go on to player for the Madison Monsters, and Columbus Cottonmouths before retiring as a player.
With their front office and coach now in place, PWHL Vancouver will turn their attention to the 2025 PWHL Draft which takes place Tuesday at 7pm ET.
Photo: PWHL Vancouver.