PWHL Seattle Names Steve O’Rourke as Inaugural Head Coach

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Eleven days after the expansion draft, and four days after the opening of free agency, PWHL Seattle has named their first coach in franchise history, tabbing Steve O’Rourke as their bench boss. 

“We’re proud to welcome Steve as the first head coach in PWHL Seattle’s history,” said Meghan Turner, Seattle’s General Manager. “He brings a great hockey mind, a clear vision for the game, and a strong commitment to developing both our team and our players as individuals. We’re confident in his leadership and excited to start this next chapter with him behind the bench.” 

O’Rourke, originally from Summerland, British Columbia, most recently served as head coach of the Oshawa Generals in the OHL. He was elevated to the position this past season, after serving as an associate between 2022 and 2024, before being relieved of his head coaching duties on Dec. 9. He brings over 15 years of coaching experience, mainly in the junior leagues in Canada, and has been consistently involved in player development throughout. 

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Professional Women’s Hockey League,” O’Rourke said. “Being from the West and having played hockey in Washington State, I’ve seen first-hand how much the game has grown in this region. The passion and support for hockey here is real, and I’m proud to now be part of it in a new way. To have the opportunity to help shape the Seattle team alongside Meghan Turner and the players is something I don’t take for granted. It’s an exciting challenge, and I’m looking forward to building something special with this group.” 

Before turning to coaching, O’Rourke played parts of seven seasons across a variety of professional leagues as a defender, including in the ECHL and the now-defunct UHL. Before being drafted by the New York Islanders in 1992, he played for the WHL’s Tri-City Americans, based in Kennewick, Washington. 

The first order of business for O’Rourke after joining Seattle’s staff will be the PHWL Entry Draft, set to take place on Tuesday, June 24 at 7 PM ET in Ottawa. Seattle will make six selections, including the eighth overall pick in the first round.