Kim Weiss Named Las Vegas PWHL Head Coach
The former NCAA coach was hired to lead the new Las Vegas franchise for the upcoming 2026 season.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Hockey
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In May 2026, general manager Dominique DiDia appointed Kim Weiss as the head coach of the new Las Vegas PWHL expansion team. The hiring marked a significant addition to the league as it expanded to include 12 teams.
Why it matters
The appointment reunites DiDia and Weiss, who previously played together at Trinity College, as they look to build a championship-caliber roster in Las Vegas. The team aims to compete for the Walter Cup starting in the fall of 2026.
There are currently 5 female coaches among the 12 PWHL teams, an increase from the 2 female coaches employed last season. The Las Vegas expansion is one of 4 new teams joining the league this year.
The players
Kim Weiss
She is the new head coach of the Las Vegas PWHL team and a former assistant coach in the AHL.
Dominique DiDia
She serves as the general manager for the Las Vegas PWHL expansion team.
The details
Kim Weiss brings experience from her tenure as an AHL assistant coach and her historic role as the first female assistant coach in NCAA Division III men's hockey during the 2023-24 season. The Las Vegas team is set to utilize both T-Mobile Arena and Lee's Family Forum as home venues.
Timeline
Weiss served as an NCAA Division III men's assistant coach during the 2023-24 season.
Weiss joined the PWHL and began team building in May 2026.
Weiss arrived in Las Vegas on September 17, 2026.
Weiss and DiDia attended a WNBA Aces game on September 22, 2026.
The Las Vegas PWHL team begins play in the fall of 2026.
Season Trajectory
The introduction of the Las Vegas team as part of a four-team expansion shifts the competitive balance of the PWHL. This addition forces existing franchises to adjust to a wider talent pool and new travel logistics as the league hunts for the Walter Cup.
The arrival of Weiss signals a tactical shift for the franchise as it prepares for its inaugural season at T-Mobile Arena and Lee's Family Forum. Fans should monitor roster signings to see how the management team utilizes the talent acquired in the expansion draft.
The takeaway
The hiring of Weiss brings significant high-level coaching experience to the newly formed Las Vegas roster. Her background in both the NCAA and AHL provides a versatile foundation for the team's inaugural season.
Further reading
For more on the developing league, visit Hockey.
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