PWHL Detroit Hires Westland Native As First Head Coach

DETROIT — A Westland native will be the first coach of the new professional women's Detroit hockey team.

Josh Sciba, of Westland, joins his hometown team after serving two seasons as an assistant coach for the PWHL’s New York Sirens.

"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," PWHL Detroit General Manager Manon Rhéaume said. "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 brings more than 15 years of coaching experience to the role.

He served as an assistant coach for the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team that won gold in Milan this past February.

He has held the same role with the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2022 and led the program to two IIHF Women’s World Championship gold medals in 2023 and 2025, as well as silver medals in 2022 and 2024.

Sciba, a 2007 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, also played four seasons with the Fighting Irish men’s hockey program from 2003-2007.

"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," Sciba said. "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."

PWHL Detroit was officially announced as one of the league’s four new expansion teams on May 6 and will debut at Little Caesars Arena in the fall.