Kim Weiss, who previously served as an assistant coach in the American Hockey League for the last two seasons, had a strong familiarity with the Professional Women’s Hockey League before taking on the role of head coach for Las Vegas’ expansion team. Weiss, who has been involved with Team USA for the past four years, mentioned that her transition to the PWHL was made smoother due to her prior knowledge of the league. She expressed gratitude for the learning experiences gained from players like Erin Ambrose, Hayley Scamurra, and Nicole Hensley.
Las Vegas is set to be one of four new teams debuting this fall in the league, which operates under a unified ownership structure. The team is awaiting the announcement of its official nickname. Games will be hosted at T-Mobile Arena and Lee’s Family Forum, with T-Mobile Arena being the home venue of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights and Lee’s Family Forum hosting the AHL affiliate team in Henderson, Nevada.
Weiss’s appointment as head coach was one of the initial decisions made by general manager Dominique DiDia upon joining the club. DiDia, who played alongside Weiss at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, highlighted Weiss’s leadership qualities, which were evident even during their college years. The close relationship between the two has been instrumental in shaping the team and making key decisions together.
Reflecting on the rise of female coaches in the PWHL, Weiss, who previously served as an assistant for the Colorado Avalanche’s top affiliate team, emphasized the increasing presence of women in coaching roles within professional hockey. The league now boasts five female coaches across its 12 teams, a significant increase from the previous season.
Weiss and DiDia emphasized the importance of promoting women’s sports in Las Vegas, drawing inspiration from the success of the Aces in the WNBA. They highlighted the growth of women’s hockey and the positive impact it has had on female athletes. Looking ahead, there is a collective aspiration for the team to achieve success in the league, with a focus on not just making the playoffs but striving to win the championship each season.
As the team gears up for its inaugural season, there is a shared acknowledgment of the expectations for success. Drawing motivation from the achievements of the Golden Knights and the Aces, the team aims to establish a winning culture and uphold core values. While there is no specific timeline set for winning the title, the team remains committed to pursuing excellence and aiming for championship success in the PWHL.