Kim Weiss Named Head Coach of PWHL Las Vegas Ahead of Inaugural Season

In a groundbreaking move for women’s hockey, Kim Weiss has been appointed as the head coach of the PWHL’s expansion team in Las Vegas. This announcement, made on Monday, marks a significant moment in Weiss’s career, as she previously made history earlier this year by becoming the second woman to serve as an assistant coach in the AHL.

At just 37 years old, Weiss has built an impressive resume over the last two seasons with the Colorado Eagles, the AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche. She initially joined the Eagles as a video coach in 2024, later earning a promotion to assistant coach in January 2026. This achievement made her only the second woman to hold a full-time assistant coaching position in the AHL, following Jessica Campbell, who served with the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, PWHL Las Vegas general manager Dominique DiDia stated, “I am thrilled to welcome Kim Weiss as the first Head Coach of PWHL Las Vegas. Throughout her coaching career, Kim has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to develop players, build strong team cultures, and achieve success at the highest levels of the game.” This sentiment underscores the confidence the organization has in Weiss’s capabilities to lead the team.

During her tenure with the Eagles, Weiss contributed to the team’s Pacific Division title in 2025 and two playoff appearances, including a deep run to the Western Conference final that concluded just last week. A native of Potomac, Maryland, Weiss has also served as a guest coach for the Avalanche and has participated in multiple development camps for the organization. Her coaching experience also includes a stint at her alma mater, Trinity College, where she was an assistant coach for the men’s hockey program.

Reflecting on her new position, Weiss remarked, “It’s an honor to become a head coach at the highest level of the women’s game and I couldn’t be more excited to join PWHL Las Vegas. Much of what I’ve experienced over the last few years wasn’t something I dreamed about growing up because those opportunities simply didn’t exist. I’m incredibly grateful for the people and organizations that have helped me along the way, especially the Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Eagles.” She emphasized her commitment to creating a top-notch environment for players, staff, and fans in Las Vegas.

Weiss’s connection with DiDia runs deep, as the two played together at Trinity College for three seasons. Weiss not only served as captain for two of those years but also set impressive program records with 108 points and 62 goals. DiDia praised Weiss’s character, stating, “Having played alongside her in college, I have seen firsthand the character, integrity, leadership and competitiveness that define her, and her values align perfectly with the culture we are building in Las Vegas.”

The Las Vegas team is gearing up for its inaugural season, already signing eight players, including Walter Cup champions Hayley Scamurra, Erin Ambrose, and Maureen Murphy, along with 24-year-old former Minnesota defender Kendall Cooper. Additionally, U.S. star Hilary Knight has been signed, although a source has indicated that she will be traded to Detroit for a 2026 first-round pick once the league’s trade freeze ends on June 16.

As the PWHL’s complex six-phase expansion roster-building process continues, the team has until Monday at 3 p.m. ET to finalize two more player signings. The upcoming PWHL Draft in Detroit on Wednesday, followed by the opening of free agency on Friday, will further shape the roster as Weiss embarks on this exciting new chapter in her coaching career.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.