Michigan native Josh Sciba has been named the inaugural head coach of PWHL Detroit, the expansion team announced Thursday.
Sciba, 41, previously spent two seasons as an assistant coach for the PWHL’s New York Sirens and as an assistant coach for the gold medal-winning 2026 U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team.
“Josh is a highly respected coach with a knowledge of the game and experience at all levels of women’s hockey that set him apart, and his passion for teaching and individual character are qualities I value in a leader,” Detroit general manager Manon Rheaume said in a news release. “Hockeytown is in his blood, and this is an opportunity I know he is eager to embrace with an understanding of what it means to represent this city and be part of its legacy.”
Sciba served as head coach of the women’s hockey team at Union College from 2016-24 after spending four seasons as an assistant coach at Colgate (2012-16).
“I’m incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity to become the Head Coach of PWHL Detroit and beyond grateful for the trust placed in me to help lead the organization from the beginning,” Sciba said. “This is home and especially meaningful for me and my entire family, knowing Detroit’s rich hockey history and identity firsthand and how much the women’s hockey community has been yearning for this moment. Working alongside Manon, someone who has meant so much to the growth of the sport, is a journey I’m so fortunate to be on, with her passion, leadership, and vision that will make Detroit a destination for players.”
Detroit is one of four expansion teams starting play in 2026-27, along with Las Vegas, San Jose and Hamilton, Ontario.
The PWHL now has doubled in size from its original six members in 2023: Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa and Toronto. Vancouver and Seattle entered the league in 2025.
–Field Level Media
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