Josh Sciba is coming home. The Westland native and veteran women’s hockey coach has been named the inaugural head coach of PWHL Detroit, the new franchise set to hit the ice in the 2026–27 season. The move brings Sciba back to Metro Detroit after recent stints with the U.S. national program and in the PWHL.
The hire was first reported by WXYZ, which shared statements from PWHL Detroit general manager Manon Rhéaume calling Sciba “a highly respected coach.” Sciba told the station he is “incredibly honored and excited” to lead the new organization, and the outlet framed the move as a full-circle homecoming for a coach with deep roots in Michigan’s youth and development hockey scene.
International experience and an Olympic ring
Sciba has been on the U.S. women’s national team staff since 2022 and was part of the coaching group at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics. Team USA details its multi-year work with U.S. development programs, and the Times Union reported the U.S. staff earned Olympic gold this February.
College coach turned pro
Before jumping into the professional game, Sciba spent eight seasons leading Union College’s women’s program from 2016 to 2024, then resigned to accept a PWHL coaching role. Union College Athletics described his departure as a move into the professional ranks after his long run behind the bench in Schenectady.
What this means for Detroit
Sciba’s hiring is one of the first big steps in building out Detroit’s new PWHL franchise, which is scheduled to debut in 2026–27 with home games at Little Caesars Arena. The 2026 PWHL Awards and Draft are also slated for the city this June. In announcing the expansion, PWHL pointed to strong local turnout at past Takeover Tour events as a key reason for planting a team in Detroit and said the club will start building its roster in the coming weeks.
Local response has been enthusiastic, with fans embracing the combination of a permanent PWHL presence and a coach who grew up in the area. WXYZ aired video of former Red Wings broadcaster Mickey Redmond cheering the arrival of the team and highlighted Sciba’s hiring as a meaningful homecoming for Hockeytown.
