Former Union College women’s hockey coach Josh Sciba has been appointed as the inaugural head coach of PWHL Detroit, the newest franchise in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Sciba spent eight seasons at Union, compiling a 45‑177‑17 record, with his final two campaigns yielding 11 wins in 2022‑23 and eight in 2023‑24, marking the program’s most competitive stretch in recent memory.
Bringing International Pedigree
Having served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic women’s hockey team that captured gold in Milan earlier this year, Sciba brings a championship pedigree and a deep understanding of elite‑level competition.
Reflecting on the appointment, Sciba said he feels honored and excited to lead a team that is poised to make a lasting impact on the sport, emphasizing his commitment to player development and community engagement.
Manon Rheaume, the franchise’s general manager, highlighted Sciba’s extensive knowledge of women’s hockey, his passion for teaching, and his personal character as key factors that made him the natural choice for the role.
The team is slated to make its debut at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit this fall, bringing top‑level women’s professional hockey to a city with a rich sports tradition and a growing appetite for marquee events.
PWHL Detroit’s entry underscores the rapid expansion of women’s professional hockey, offering a new platform for talent to shine and inspiring the next generation of players across North America.