Avalanche alum Kim Weiss named PWHL Las Vegas Head Coach

PWHL Las Vegas has announced that Kim Weiss of the Colorado Avalanche franchise has been appointed to the position of Head Coach ahead of the team’s inaugural 2026-27 PWHL season. 

Weiss will join PWHL Las Vegas after spending the last two seasons with the Colorado Eagles, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche — in which she became the second woman in AHL/NHL history to serve as an Assistant Coach in a full-time role. Weiss began her career with the Eagles as a video assistant before being promoted to assistant coach in 2026. During her time in Colorado, the Eagles earned a Pacific Division title (in 2025) and made two trips to the Calder Cup Playoffs, including a run to the Western Conference Finals in 2026 where they bowed out in a seven-game series against the Chicago Wolves. In addition, prior to her stint in Colorado, Weiss served as an assistant coach with the Trinity College Men’s Hockey program in the 2023-24 campaign, becoming the first woman to work as an assistant coach in NCAA Division III men’s hockey.

On the ice, Weiss enjoyed a decorated career of her own at Trinity College (NESCAC All-Conference honors in all four seasons, program records for career points and goals as a forward), where she was teammates for three years with PWHL Las Vegas General Manager Dominique DiDia.

Didia said Weiss's track record speaks for itself in terms of why she has been named the HC of PWHL Vegas.

"I am thrilled to welcome Kim Weiss as the first Head Coach of PWHL Las Vegas,” Didia said per the PWHL media release. "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, and her hockey expertise and communication skills make her one of the most respected leaders in the sport. Having played alongside her in college, I have seen firsthand the character, integrity, leadership, and competitiveness that define her, and her values align perfectly with the culture we are building in Las Vegas.”

Kim Weiss named Head Coach of PWHL Las Vegas

Weiss is also a part of the NHL Coaches Association Female Coaches Program, an initiative that aims to support women in several areas including skills development, leadership strategies, communication tactics, networking, and career advancement opportunities. 

Weiss said she is very appreciative of her time with Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Eagles as she reaches this next chapter of her career.

“It’s an honor to become a head coach at the highest level of the women’s game and I couldn’t be more excited to join PWHL Las Vegas,” said Weiss. “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. I’m incredibly grateful for the people and organizations that have helped me along the way, especially the Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Eagles. I’ll carry many of the lessons I learned from one of the best organizations in hockey as we build a first-class environment for our players, staff, and fans in Las Vegas. Las Vegas has embraced hockey in a remarkable way and built a passionate sports culture. The city is known for its energy, excitement, and entertainment, and we’re committed to bringing that same passion every time our team takes the ice. I can’t wait to help build something special for this community.”

A Potomac, MD native, Weiss has also contributed to USA Hockey’s player development and coaching education initiatives and has worked with the U.S. Women’s National Team. 

PWHL Las Vegas is one of 12 teams in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which was founded in 2023. The PWHL began its inaugural season in Jan. of 2024 and PWHL Las Vegas was officially announced as one of the league’s four new expansion teams (alongside PWHL Detroit, San Jose and Hamilton) on May 13.

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