Brian Idalski Named First Head Coach of PWHL Vancouver

PWHL Vancouver announced today that Brian Idalski has been appointed the first head coach in franchise history ahead of the 2025-26 season. Idalski brings more than two decades of coaching experience, most recently spending three seasons behind the bench at St. Cloud State University.

“Brian is a proven winner who knows our sport, the players, and has coached at the highest levels,” said General Manager Cara Gardner Morey. “What stands out in Brian’s experience is his ability to build and transform the programs he is a part of, from his work in professional leagues, at the Olympics, and turning collegiate teams into nationally ranked contenders. I’m excited that he will lead our incredible group in Vancouver and can’t wait to see his vision and influence shape our foundation.”

Idalski made an immediate impact at St. Cloud State, earning 2022-23 USCHO Coach of the Year honors in his first season while setting a new program record with 36 conference points and tying the program’s best-ever 18-win season. Over 18 seasons in college hockey, he’s racked up more than 325 wins, coaching at St. Cloud State, the University of North Dakota, and the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. He’s led teams to five NCAA Tournament appearances and has built a reputation for developing talent that feeds directly into the PWHL and international competition.

“I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to join an organization and city like Vancouver and want to thank Cara and the league for their trust and belief in me,” said Idalski. “The PWHL has had a huge impact on the global game, and to be a part of that – with expansion helping push it even further forward – is an unbelievable feeling. I’ve been associated with a lot of players across the PWHL, either coaching them personally or against them over the years, so this role brings me full circle with an eagerness to work with the league’s world-class talent. The team that Cara has assembled is fantastic and I embrace the challenge that comes with our high expectations.”

Before joining St. Cloud, the Warren, Michigan native led the KRS Vanke Rays to two ZhHL championships between 2019 and 2022, coaching current PWHL Vancouver players Michela Cava and Hannah Miller. He also served as head coach of the Chinese Women’s National Team at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Next up for PWHL Vancouver is the 2025 PWHL Draft, presented by Upper Deck, happening Tuesday, June 24 at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET. The team holds six picks, including the seventh overall. The first three rounds will air live on TSN, with the full draft available on TSN+ and the league’s YouTube channel.