Troy Ryan has been appointed head coach and general manager of the Professional Women's Hockey League’s newest expansion franchise in San Jose, California.
A Strategic Appointment
Ryan’s coaching résumé reads like a chronicle of Canadian women’s hockey excellence. After three seasons leading the Toronto Sceptres — where he captured the 2024 Coach of the Year honor — he spent nearly a decade at the helm of the Canadian women’s national team, guiding them to Olympic gold in 2022 and three world championship titles.
Jayna Hefford, executive vice president of the PWHL, praised Ryan’s leadership and depth of experience, stating that his vision aligns perfectly with the league’s ambition to grow the sport globally.
In a historic first for the league, Ryan will simultaneously serve as both general manager and head coach during the 2026‑27 season, a dual role that will shape every facet of the San Jose franchise.
Expanding the PWHL Footprint
The league announced San Jose as its fourth expansion team for the 2026‑27 season, joining upcoming franchises in Detroit, Las Vegas and Hamilton. Existing markets such as Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Boston, Minnesota, New York and Seattle will continue to host teams, broadening the league’s reach across North America and into Europe.
Other expansion‑team general managers named by the PWHL include Meghan Duggan, Manon Rhéaume and Dominique DiDia, each tasked with shaping their respective squads ahead of the upcoming draft and free‑agency period.
Ryan will assemble the team’s roster through the league’s expansion roster‑building process, the 2026 PWHL Draft and free agency, with a finalized roster announcement expected in the coming weeks.
Ryan’s departure from the Toronto Sceptres has prompted the team to begin a search for a new head coach, marking the end of a three‑year tenure that delivered a championship‑caliber season.