PWHL Vancouver names Brian Idalski first-ever head coach
PWHL Vancouver has named Brian Idalski as its first-ever head coach ahead of its inaugural season, the team announced Monday.
'Brian is a proven winner who knows our sport, the players, and has coached at the highest levels,' PWHL Vancouver general manager Cara Gardner Morey said in a release. 'What stands out in Brian's experience is his ability to build and transform the programs he is a part of, from his work in professional leagues, at the Olympics, and turning collegiate teams into nationally ranked contenders. I'm excited that he will lead our incredible group in Vancouver and can't wait to see his vision and influence shape our foundation.'
A PRESENCE on the bench 💪
Brian Idalski has been named the first Head Coach in team history! He brings 20 years of experience to the helm, most recently from St. Cloud State University women's hockey program. 📰 https://t.co/aPBQ3z7zb4 pic.twitter.com/S63EpDDmKs
— PWHL Vancouver (@PWHL__Vancouver) June 23, 2025
Idalski was head coach of the St. Cloud State Huskies women's hockey team the past three seasons. He previously coached at the University of North Dakota for 10 seasons and the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point for five. He also coached the Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays to two ZhHL championships and was head coach of the Chinese National Women's Team for the 2022 Olympics in Beijing.
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'I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to join an organization and city like Vancouver and want to thank Cara and the league for their trust and belief in me,' Idalski said. 'The PWHL has had a huge impact on the global game, and to be a part of that — with expansion helping push it even further forward — is an unbelievable feeling. I've been associated with a lot of players across the PWHL, either coaching them personally or against them over the years, so this role brings me full circle with an eagerness to work with the league's world-class talent. The team that Cara has assembled is fantastic and I embrace the challenge that comes with our high expectations.'
The PWHL, which launched in January 2024 with six teams, recently announced its expansion to Seattle and Vancouver and held its expansion draft on June 9.
PWHL Vancouver will debut this fall at Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the WHL's Vancouver Giants and the NHL's Vancouver Canucks.
The 2025 PWHL Draft is set for Tuesday in Ottawa.
(Photo of Brian Idalski at the 2022 Olympics: Xavier Laine / Getty Images)
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