The Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Toronto Sceptres find themselves at a crossroads after head coach Troy Ryan accepted a similar role with the PWHL’s San Jose franchise, leaving the club without a bench boss just weeks before the upcoming draft on June 17.
General manager and hockey operations staff have identified a shortlist of five individuals who not only possess impressive résumés but also maintain strong connections to the Greater Toronto Area, a factor that could influence the team’s cultural direction.
Among the front‑runners, Vicky Sunohara stands out for her dual legacy as an Olympic‑medalist player and a coach who has previously guided university programs to championship contention, bringing both playing insight and strategic acumen.
Candidates with deep local ties
Britni Smith, who recently stepped down from her head coaching post at Syracuse University to be nearer her family, offers a fresh perspective after a stint that combined on‑ice development with community outreach.
Rachel Flanagan, an internal candidate, has spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach with the Sceptres, absorbing the organization’s philosophy while honing her tactical expertise.
Sami Jo Small brings a wealth of experience from years spent in the Toronto hockey ecosystem, having transitioned from a celebrated playing career to coaching roles that have mentored numerous young athletes.
Courtney Kessel rounds out the pool with prior PWHL playing experience and a reputation for fostering competitive depth, traits that align with the Sceptres’ ambition to remain a contender from day one.
With the draft looming, the front office emphasizes the need to finalize a coaching appointment swiftly, ensuring that the new leader can shape roster decisions and integrate seamlessly with the upcoming player pool.