Manon Rheaume, the general manager of the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Detroit expansion team, has named Josh Sciba as the franchise’s first head coach. The announcement, made on Tuesday, highlights a shared vision of elevating women’s hockey through competitive play and community engagement.
A Legacy of Firsts
Rheaume’s own journey to this moment reads like a series of firsts. In 1992 she became the first woman to play in an NHL preseason game, suiting up for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and later helped Canada capture Olympic gold in 1998. Her trailblazing presence has continued on the administrative side, where she now oversees a historic expansion club.
Sciba arrives with a résumé that blends playing experience, collegiate success, and international exposure. A native of Michigan, he starred at the University of Notre Dame before embarking on a professional stint in the ECHL, a league he left to pursue coaching full‑time.
A Coach With Deep Roots
His coaching career includes stints as an assistant with the New York Sirens, a role that culminated in a gold‑medal victory with the U.S. women’s national team at the Milan‑Cortina Olympics. Prior to that, Sciba served as head coach at Union College from 2016 through 2024, where he developed a reputation for disciplined play and player development.
Building the Future
Speaking about the appointment, Sciba expressed enthusiasm for the challenge of shaping a new roster in a city steeped in hockey tradition. “Detroit’s passion for the sport is unmatched,” he said, “and I’m eager to work with the front office and fans to build a team that reflects that energy.” Rheaume echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that Sciba’s character and communication skills were decisive factors in the hiring process. “Josh brings a blend of experience, integrity, and a genuine love for the game that aligns perfectly with our mission,” she noted.