Devils Director of Player Development named new PWHL General Manager

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has announced the appointment of Meghan Duggan to the position of General Manager for PWHL Hamilton.

This latest development comes ahead of Hamilton's inaugural 2026-27 season, in which Duggan will be tasked with building a hockey operations staff and leading the roster building process. Duggan joins PWHL Hamilton following five years with the New Jersey Devils, most recently as Director of Player Development, while also holding roles with the PWHL as a Special Consultant to Hockey Operations and member of the league’s Player Safety Committee. Duggan has worked with the PWHL since 2024 and completed her PWHL responsibilities while working for the Devils. She originally began her career in New Jersey in May 2021 as Manager, Player Development before ascending to Director of Player Development in May 2022.

In addition, Duggan is one of the most decorated players in U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team history.

PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jayna Hefford said Duggan's long list of accomplishments made her an easy choice as Hamilton's GM.

“Meghan has been an effective leader at every stage of her career, and she is a rising star in the front office ranks,” said Hefford. "Meghan’s long list of on-ice achievements, coupled with her extensive background in development and community-building, make her a seamless fit to guide PWHL Hamilton into its first season.”

Meghan Duggan announced as PWHL Hamilton's GM

Duggan has previously served on the USA Hockey Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Women’s Advisory Committee. She was part of the inaugural group that was named to the NHL’s Player Inclusion Committee and has held various roles with the Women’s Sports Foundation.

Across a 14-year career with Team USA, Duggan became one of the most prolific members in the team’s storied history. She won eleven medals at three Winter Olympics (one gold, two silver) and eight IIHF Women’s World Championships (seven gold, one silver).

At the University of Wisconsin, Duggan led the Badgers to three National Championships and won the 2011 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, later being inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. 

“I’m incredibly honored and energized to join PWHL Hamilton as General Manager,” said Duggan per the PWHL media release. “This league represents the future of women’s professional sports and the opportunity to help build a team, culture, and identity from the ground up is a privilege. I’ve always believed winning cultures are developed through a commitment to strong relationships, trust, accountability, and consistent daily habits, and these principles will guide everything we do. Hamilton is a passionate sports city with a rich hockey tradition, and my goal is to create an environment where players can thrive and compete for a championship. I’m grateful to the PWHL for their trust in me to lead this expansion team and I'm eager to get to work!” 

The 2026 PWHL Draft is to take place on June 17 in Detroit, with the PWHL Awards to take place the day prior on June 16. 

The PWHL has now expanded to 12 total teams following the announcement of Hamilton's expansion. Detroit, Las Vegas and San Jose were the other newly announced teams.

The Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montréal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge and Toronto Sceptres were the first official monikers for the PWHL.

This latest staff adjustment for the New Jersey Devils comes after the recent May announcement of Sunny Mehta being named the Devils' sixth general manager in team history.

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