LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — PWHL Las Vegas announced the appointment of Ryan Smith and Jonathan Matsumoto as assistant coaches, Brad Kirkwood as goaltending coach, and Brendan Flanagan as video coach ahead of the team’s inaugural 2026-27 Professional Women’s Hockey League season.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Ryan Smith, Jonathan Matsumoto, Brad Kirkwood, and Brendan Flanagan to Vegas to complete our coaching staff,” PWHL Las Vegas General Manager Dominique DiDia said. “They each bring a unique perspective and experience from across all levels of hockey and, most importantly, a shared passion for developing and supporting our athletes. We’re excited to see the impact they’ll have on our players and our organization this season.”
MORE ON FOX5: WNBA says no penalty for A’ja Wilson after fan incident in Game 2 against the Fever
The additions join Head Coach Kim Weiss, who was appointed in June, as the team continues to build toward its debut.
PWHL Las Vegas is one of 12 teams in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which was founded in 2023. The PWHL began its inaugural season in January 2024. PWHL Las Vegas was announced as one of the league’s four new expansion teams on May 13 and will debut at T-Mobile Arena in the fall.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
