Kim Weiss will lead PWHL Las Vegas as the expansion franchise's first head coach. GM Dominique DiDia announced the hire on Sunday, just two days before the 2026 PWHL Draft in Detroit.
Kim Weiss Brings Elite Coaching Experience to the PWHL
Kim Weiss spent two seasons with the AHL's Colorado Eagles.
She started as a video coach in 2024, then earned a promotion to assistant coach in January 2026. That move made her only the second woman to hold a full-time assistant role in AHL or NHL history, after Jessica Campbell.
Now, the 37-year-old takes that experience to the PWHL. Weiss called the position an honor, adding that coaching paths like this one did not exist when she was growing up.
"Much of what I’ve experienced over the last few years wasn’t something I dreamed about growing up because those opportunities simply didn’t exist," she said. "I’m incredibly grateful for the people and organizations that have helped me along the way."
PWHL Las Vegas GM Reunites with Head Coach Weiss
The hire also doubles as a college hockey reunion. DiDia and Weiss played together for three seasons at Trinity College, and DiDia pointed to her former teammate's player development skills and competitive character as deciding factors.
"Throughout her coaching career, Kim has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to develop players, build strong team cultures, and achieve success at the highest levels of the game. Her accomplishments across both the NCAA and AHL speak for themselves," DiDia said.
With the PWHL expanding to 12 teams for the 2026/27 season, Las Vegas is steadily building its coaching staff ahead of Wednesday's draft.
