The PWHL Hamilton expansion team has appointed Chelsea Walkland and Connor James as assistant coaches, joining head coach Kris Sparre for their inaugural season. Walkland brings a wealth of experience from her time coaching at Colgate University and at the Under-18 Women’s World Championship, while James offers a solid background as a former NHL player and head coach. Both express enthusiasm about working with the team's foundation and contributing to the local hockey culture in Hamilton.

By the Numbers
  • Chelsea Walkland led the Bishop Kearney Selects Girls’ Under-19 AAA team before joining PWHL Hamilton.
  • Connor James was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 2002 and played 16 NHL games, including stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
State of Play
  • The Hamilton team is preparing for its first season in the PWHL with a strong coaching staff.
  • Walkland and James will focus on player development and community engagement as they build the team's identity.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Hamilton will likely focus on crafting its roster and establishing a competitive edge in the league. The team aims to create a strong community presence and foster excitement for women's hockey in the region.

Bottom Line

Hamilton's hire of Walkland and James signals a commitment to building a competitive and community-focused team, setting a positive tone for their inaugural PWHL season.