PWHL New York general manager Pascal Daoust was thrilled with his team's draft picks that included first overall selection Sarah Fillier. He discusses his picks and their impact for the team. PWHL New York has rounded out their coaching staff hiring Lauren Williams as an assistant coach. Williams joins new head coach Greg Fargo and assistant coach Josh Sciba who were hired earlier in the offseason. Williams joins PWHL New York from Mount Royal University where she spent the 2023-24 U SPORTS season as an assistant coach of the Cougars’ women’s hockey program. Williams was the university’s first-ever full-time women’s hockey assistant coach. Before her time at Mount Royal University, Williams spent the 2022-23 season as an assistant coach of the Stonehill College Skyhawks’ women’s hockey program. Williams was with the Skyhawks for the inaugural season of their women’s hockey program. She also has experience with Hockey Canada’s National Women’s Program as a mental performance consultant. “I’m very pleased to welcome Lauren to the PWHL New York coaching staff and family,” said PWHL New York General Manager Pascal Daoust. “Lauren brings not only her experience as a player and assistant coach but also her unique expertise in mental preparation and performance, which is crucial for enhancing individual performance in our pursuit of collective excellence. Her background, personality, and approach will bring each of us closer to achieving our full potential.” A native of Windsor, ON, Williams played for the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she was an alternate captain her senior year and made four straight NCAA Tournament Frozen Four appearances. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Williams played alongside PWHL New York player Abby Roque. “I am both humbled and honored to have been selected to work alongside such an experienced staff and talented team at PWHL New York,” said Williams. “To step into this league as a coach represents a full-circle moment for myself that I struggle to put into words. I cannot wait to get this upcoming season started and do my part in helping our players and staff excel on and off the ice.” Prior to beginning her coaching career, Williams played professionally in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League where she was drafted first overall in 2018. Williams has also played professionally in the PWHPA and the Swedish Women’s Hockey League.
