Josh Sciba named as inaugural head coach for PWHL’s expansion team in Detroit

Josh Sciba has been an assistant coach for Team USA since 2022 and has spent the last two seasons in the PWHL as an assistant for the New York Sirens. Bruce Bennett / Getty ImagesMay 28, 2026 12:02 pm EDT Updated Josh Sciba, who helped lead the U.S. women’s hockey team to Olympic gold in Milan, has been named head coach of the PWHL’s expansion team in Detroit.The Michigan native has been an assistant coach for Team USA since 2022 and has spent the last two seasons in the PWHL as an assistant for the New York Sirens. Before joining the PWHL, Sciba spent eight years as the head coach of the Union College women’s hockey program.“Josh is a highly respected coach with a knowledge of the game and experience at all levels of women’s hockey that set him apart, and his passion for teaching and individual character are qualities I value in a leader,” said Detroit general manager Manon Rhéaume. “Hockeytown is in his blood, and this is an opportunity I know he is eager to embrace with an understanding of what it means to represent this city and be part of its legacy.”

A native of Westland, Mich., Sciba will join Rhéaume in building PWHL Detroit from the ground up.“I’m incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to become the Head Coach of PWHL Detroit and beyond grateful for the trust placed in me to help lead the organization from the beginning,” said Sciba. “This is home and especially meaningful for me and my entire family, knowing Detroit’s rich hockey history and identity firsthand and how much the women’s hockey community has been yearning for this moment.“Working alongside Manon, someone who has meant so much to the growth of the sport, is a journey I’m so fortunate to be on, with her passion, leadership, and vision that will make Detroit a destination for players.”The PWHL announced Detroit as one of its four new expansion teams on May 6, and the team will debut at Little Caesars Arena in the fall. All four teams — Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose — will fill out their inaugural rosters through a six-phase process that officially begins on June 2.May 28, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms