Josh Sciba, a Michigan native and former assistant coach for both Team USA and the New York Sirens, has been appointed the inaugural head coach of the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s expansion team in Detroit. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the league as it expands its footprint into the U.S. Midwest.
Sciba’s coaching résumé includes eight years at the helm of Union College’s women’s program, a stint that followed years of service as an assistant with the U.S. national team and the PWHL’s New York Sirens. His leadership helped the United States capture Olympic gold in Milan, underscoring his ability to translate elite experience into on‑ice success.
A new chapter for Detroit’s women’s hockey
General manager Manon Rhéaume, the league’s first female GM, praised Sciba’s deep knowledge of the game and his proven track record across all levels of women’s hockey. "His experience and vision align perfectly with our ambition to build a competitive, sustainable franchise from the ground up," Rhéaume said in a statement.
The PWHL confirmed Detroit as one of four new expansion clubs — alongside Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose — during a press conference on May 6. Each new team will assemble its inaugural roster through a six‑phase selection process that officially begins on June 2, with the Detroit squad slated to make its debut at Little Caesars Arena later this fall.
Sciba expressed both honor and excitement about the opportunity, stating that representing his home state and contributing to the growth of professional women’s hockey is a lifelong dream. He will work closely with Rhéaume to shape a roster that reflects the league’s competitive standards and community roots.