The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has filled its final two expansion team general manager positions, with Meghan Duggan, a three-time U.S. Olympian, taking the helm in Hamilton, and Troy Ryan departing the Toronto Sceptres to assume the dual responsibilities of coach and GM in San Jose. These appointments were made public on Friday, marking the completion of the league’s GM recruitment for its four new franchises slated to commence playing next season.
Meghan Duggan, aged 38, has spent the last five years in an NHL player development role with the New Jersey Devils. With her notable name and extensive experience, she brings a strong presence to the PWHL’s fifth Canadian-based franchise. Prior to her retirement in 2020, Duggan was a founding member of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), a group pivotal in establishing the PWHL three years ago. Jayna Hefford, the PWHL’s executive VP of hockey operations overseeing the hiring process, praised Duggan as a proven leader who is rapidly ascending in the realm of front office management.
On the other hand, Troy Ryan departs from Toronto after coaching the team for its initial three seasons to become the first individual in the PWHL to hold both coaching and GM roles. This move follows Ryan’s decision to step down as head coach of the Canadian national women’s team after a successful six-year tenure. The 54-year-old guided Canada to a gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and secured silver at the Milan Cortina Games earlier this year.
The PWHL’s expansion to 12 teams for the upcoming season, doubling its size since its 2024 inception, includes new franchises in Detroit and Las Vegas. Among the immediate tasks for Duggan and Ryan are assembling their respective staff, including a coach for Hamilton, and finalizing their teams’ rosters. The league’s expansion signing process is scheduled to commence in two weeks, followed by the draft on June 17.
Meghan Duggan, hailing from Danvers, Massachusetts, achieved Olympic success with silver medals in 2010 and 2014, and a gold medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games where she served as team captain. She boasts seven gold medals and one silver from eight world championship appearances. Despite her American background, Duggan has ties to Canada through her marriage to former Team Canada player Gillian Apps. She expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the growth of women’s professional sports, emphasizing the privilege of constructing a team, culture, and identity from scratch in Hamilton.
Troy Ryan brings a wealth of experience in hockey front office and coaching to the PWHL’s inaugural California team. Noteworthy achievements include being named the PWHL’s first Coach of the Year in 2024 with a career record of 52-32-10. Ryan played a pivotal role in elevating the Canadian national team program, leading them to multiple gold and silver medals at world championships following a bronze finish in 2019. Originating from Nova Scotia, Ryan transitioned from various GM and coaching roles in men’s Junior A Maritime Hockey League to head coach of the Dalhousie University women’s team from 2020 to 2023.