Full Breakdown
PWHL Expands to 12 Teams, Announces Dual GM/Coach for San Jose and GM for Hamilton
5/23/2026, 3:06:36 AM
Expansion Overview and New Franchises
The Professional Women’s Hockey League, launched on 1 January 2024, will grow from eight to twelve clubs for the 2026-27 season. The league’s latest expansion adds four franchises in Detroit, Las Vegas, San Jose and Hamilton. The move doubles the league’s size and follows record-breaking attendance and a Sports Business Journal “Breakthrough of the Year” award.
Key Appointments: Troy Ryan and Meghan Duggan
The league named Troy Ryan as both General Manager and Head Coach of the new San Jose team, marking the first dual-role appointment in PWHL history. Ryan arrives after three seasons as head coach of the Toronto Sceptres, where he guided the club to the league’s best regular-season record in 2024 and the second-best mark in 2024-25. He also served nine years with Canada’s National Women’s Hockey Team, the last six as head coach, winning Olympic gold (2022), Olympic silver (2026) and three IIHF World Championship titles (2021, 2022, 2024).
Meghan Duggan was appointed General Manager of the Hamilton franchise. Duggan is a former U.S. national team star with eleven Olympic medals (one gold, two silver) and eight World Championship medals (seven gold, one silver). She captured three NCAA titles with the University of Wisconsin and earned the 2011 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. Prior to joining the PWHL, Duggan spent five years with the New Jersey Devils, most recently as Director of Player Development, and served as a special consultant to PWHL hockey operations and a member of the league’s Player Safety Committee.
Timeline of Announcements and Upcoming Draft
- 22 May 2026 – PWHL releases press statements announcing Ryan’s dual appointment and Duggan’s GM role.
- 17 June 2026 – The league’s expansion draft will be held in Detroit, determining the first player rosters for the four new teams.
- Fall 2026 – The inaugural 2026-27 season begins, with San Jose and Hamilton fielding fully staffed squads.
Performance Credentials and Statistics
- The league now fields 12 teams across North America.
- Ryan’s PWHL coaching record stands at 52-32-10.
- Ryan earned four coaching awards in Nova Scotia and the Maritime Junior A Hockey League, plus the inaugural PWHL Coach of the Year (2024).
- Duggan’s medal tally includes 11 Olympic medals (1 gold, 2 silver) and 8 World Championship medals (7 gold, 1 silver).
Official Statements from League Leadership
PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jayna Hefford praised Ryan as “a consummate professional and culture driver” and highlighted Duggan’s “effective leadership at every stage of her career.” Both Ryan and Duggan expressed enthusiasm for shaping new organizations, emphasizing the chance to build purposeful teams, foster community connections, and grow women’s hockey on the West Coast and in the Greater Toronto area.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Troy is a consummate professional and culture driver who has excelled in leadership roles both in the PWHL and with Canada’s National Women’s Hockey Team on the international stage,” — Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations
- “I’m honored and incredibly excited to help build this organization in San Jose,” — Troy Ryan, General Manager & Head
