The Seattle Torrent announced today that Christine Bumstead will lead the club for the 2026‑27 PWHL season, stepping into the role after a distinguished stint as the team’s assistant coach during its inaugural year.
A Trailblazing Career
Bumstead’s coaching résumé spans multiple levels of the sport. She has guided the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, directed the Saskatoon Blades, and helmed Team Manitoba at both the 2024 National Women’s U18 Championship and the 2025 WHL Cup, where the squad captured gold. In 2023 she made history as the first female coach in the Blades’ organization, and she later guest‑coached at the Florida Panthers’ summer development camp before returning to the PWHL.
Beyond club duties, Bumstead served as head coach and general manager of Canada’s women’s deaf‑team at the 2024 World Deaf Ice Hockey Championship, and she earned a degree in Deaf/Hard of Hearing Education from Minot State University, underscoring her commitment to inclusive sport.
Leadership Praised by Management
Meghan Turner, general manager of the Torrent, highlighted Bumstead’s deep hockey knowledge, steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence. Turner noted that Bumstead’s appointment reflects the organization’s confidence in a coach who can elevate the team’s performance while inspiring the next generation of players.
Bumstead expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating that she is eager to build on the Torrent’s foundation and to foster a culture of ambition and respect. Her vision aligns with the franchise’s goal of competing at the highest level while promoting diversity within the sport.
A New Chapter for the Torrent
The appointment comes as the Torrent prepares for a competitive season that will see them based in Seattle, Washington, United States, a city that has embraced the team’s presence since its launch. With a coaching staff that includes Turner and a roster of talent drawn from across North America, the club aims to translate its developmental successes into on‑ice triumphs.
Fans can look forward to a season that not only showcases elite women’s hockey but also celebrates the milestones achieved by coaches like Bumstead, whose historic roles with the Saskatoon Blades and Team Manitoba have paved the way for greater representation in professional hockey.