The expansion PWHL Seattle franchise has announced the hiring of Steve O’Rourke as the franchise’s first ever head coach on Friday.
O’Rourke has more than 15 years of head coaching experience under his belt, most recently serving as an assistant coach with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals, before taking on head coaching duties for the 2024-25 season.
“We’re proud to welcome Steve as the first head coach in PWHL Seattle’s history,” said 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. We’re confident in his leadership and excited to start this next chapter with him behind the bench.”
The Summerland, BC native is well versed in the CHL landscape, having spent six seasons with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars as an associate coach and director of player development. He’s also had stops with the Red Deer Rebels (WHL), Langley Rivermen (BCHL), Abbotsford Heat (AHL), and Team Canada (Red) at the U17 World Hockey Challenge.
The 50 year old was drafted in the 7th round (159th overall) by the New York Islanders in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, and spent time in the WHL, BCJHL, CWUAA, ECHL, BISL, and UHL before retiring in 2006.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Professional Women’s Hockey League,” said O’Rourke. “This is something I’ve 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. Being from the West and having played hockey in Washington State, I’ve seen first-hand how much the game has grown in this region. The passion and support for hockey here is real, and I’m proud to now be part of it in a new way. To have the opportunity to help shape the Seattle team alongside Meghan Turner and the players is something I don’t take for granted. It’s an exciting challenge, and I’m looking forward to building something special with this group.”
With their GM and Head Coach now in place, Seattle can fully turn their attention to the upcoming PWHL Draft, taking place on Tuesday, June 24th. An introductory press conference will be scheduled at a future date.
Photo: PWHL Seattle.