PWHL’s Seattle Torrent hire Christine Bumstead as next head coach

SEATTLE (AP) — The PWHL’s Seattle Torrent hired Christine Bumstead as their second head coach in franchise history on Thursday.

Bumstead was the team’s assistant coach last year under head coach Steve O’Rourke, who was fired in May after the Torrent finished last in the league in their first season.

“Long before I was a part of the league, I was inspired by what the PWHL is building, and so I do not take this opportunity lightly;” Bumstead said in a statement. “I feel incredibly fortunate to play a role in sparking dreams for the next generation of players. The best is still ahead for Seattle Torrent hockey, and we can’t wait to continue growing.”

During the 2026-27 season, the PWHL will have at least four female head coaches, including Ottawa’s Carla MacLeod and Montreal’s Kori Cheverie, both of whom took part in the PWHL’s first Walter Cup Final involving two teams coached by women.