Seattle Torrent Hired Brett Sonne as Assistant Coach
The Seattle organization appointed the former professional forward to join the staff under head coach Christine Bumstead.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Hockey
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The Seattle Torrent officially announced the hiring of Brett Sonne as an assistant coach on September 17, 2026. Sonne joins the staff bringing extensive experience from his professional playing career and recent junior-level coaching success.
Why it matters
The team hired Sonne to leverage his background as a former professional player and his recent track record as a successful junior coach. He will work directly alongside head coach Christine Bumstead to support the Seattle Torrent in the expanding league.
Sonne was selected 85th overall in the 2007 NHL Draft and earned WHL Player of the Year honors in 2009. He also brings five seasons of junior-level coaching experience to his new role with the Seattle organization.
The players
Brett Sonne
He is a former professional hockey player who was drafted 85th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2007 and later transitioned into a successful junior-level coaching career.
Seattle Torrent
This professional hockey team competes in the PWHL, a league that launched in 2024 and currently features a total of 12 franchises.
Christine Bumstead
She serves as the head coach for the Seattle Torrent and will oversee the integration of Sonne onto her coaching staff.
The details
Brett Sonne most recently served as an assistant coach for the Coquitlam Express from 2024 to 2026 and led the Ridge Meadows Flames to a league championship during the 2023-24 season. His background includes four years of professional play in the American Hockey League between 2009 and 2013.
Timeline
Brett Sonne was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2007.
Sonne earned WHL Player of the Year honors in 2009.
He played in the American Hockey League from 2009 to 2013.
Sonne led the Flames to a league championship in the 2023-24 season.
The Seattle Torrent announced the hire on September 17, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This staff addition aims to bolster the Torrent's competitive standing as the PWHL enters its third year of existence. By bringing in a coach with recent championship experience, the organization is clearly prioritizing player development and tactical depth to climb the league standings.
Sonne will immediately begin working with head coach Christine Bumstead to refine the team's tactical approach for the upcoming season. His primary task involves translating his junior-level championship success into immediate on-ice improvements for the Seattle roster.
The takeaway
The move reflects the team's ongoing commitment to building a competitive coaching culture in a relatively new professional league. Fans and followers can anticipate a potential shift in play style as the new coaching staff begins implementing their strategy for the team.
Further reading
For more updates on local professional teams, visit the Seattle Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Maple Ridge News.
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