PWHL Vancouver has a new head coach hiring long time NCAA coach Brian Idalski. Idalski served as head coach of the NCAA's St. Cloud State women's team the past three seasons and has more than 20 years of coaching experience.
“Brian is a proven winner who knows our sport, the players, and has coached at the highest levels,” said Cara Gardner Morey, PWHL Vancouver General Manager. “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 was the 2022-23 USCHO Coach of the Year. Prior to St. Cloud State, Idalski, 54, spent three seasons as head coach for the KRS Vanke Rays in China and for China's national team where he coached players like Hannah Miller, and Michela Cava, recent signings of PWHL Vancouver, as well as other PWHL players and prospects including Susanna Tapani, Michelle Karvinen, and Alex Carpenter.
“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 KRS and St. Cloud, Idalski spent ten seasons as head coach for North Dakota's NCAA Division 1 women's team, and another five seasons before that as the head coach for the NCAA D3 Wisconsin-Stevens Point.