PWHL Las Vegas Hired Full Coaching Staff
The team appointed four new coaches to assist head coach Kim Weiss ahead of the 2026-27 inaugural season.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
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Fans of Las Vegas hockey will see a complete coaching roster following the appointment of four new staff members for the city's new PWHL franchise. The hires round out the team led by head coach Kim Weiss, who joined the organization in June.
Why it matters
The appointments complete the final phase of building the team's leadership structure before its professional debut at T-Mobile Arena. The staff is now tasked with preparing the roster for the league's inaugural season opening game against Detroit.
The new staff brings significant experience, including assistant coach Jonathan Matsumoto who played 1,000 professional games and goaltending coach Brad Kirkwood who spent three seasons with the Toronto Sceptres.
The players
Kim Weiss
She is the head coach leading the PWHL Las Vegas franchise through its inaugural season.
Ryan Smith
He is an assistant coach who previously served as the associate head coach of the Regina Pats.
Jonathan Matsumoto
He is an assistant coach who played over 1,000 games across the NCAA, NHL, AHL, and European leagues.
Brad Kirkwood
He is the goaltending coach who spent three seasons with the Toronto Sceptres.
Brendan Flanagan
He is the video coach who formerly directed hockey operations at St. Lawrence University.
The details
Ryan Smith and Jonathan Matsumoto will serve as assistant coaches, with Brad Kirkwood joining as goaltending coach and Brendan Flanagan as video coach. These additions complete the coaching team under head coach Kim Weiss for the 2026-27 season. The group will begin their work in the valley immediately to prepare for the team's inaugural game at T-Mobile Arena on December 6, 2026.
Timeline
June 2026: Head coach Kim Weiss was appointed to the team.
September 30, 2026: The full coaching staff was announced.
December 6, 2026: The team plays its season opener against Detroit.
Beyond the Strip
The arrival of this professional women's team mirrors the rapid organizational development seen during the 2017 inaugural season of the Vegas Golden Knights. This staff assembly follows the pattern of building a front office well in advance of the first puck drop at T-Mobile Arena.
Residents can prepare for the new team's debut this winter as the organization begins its training cycle in the city. The primary impact for local fans will be the scheduling of home games at T-Mobile Arena starting this December.
The takeaway
The coaching staff is now set, marking the final personnel step before the team takes the ice in December. Watch for upcoming announcements regarding the inaugural player roster as the season opener approaches.
What happens next
The team will debut its new coaching staff and roster at the inaugural season opener against Detroit, held at T-Mobile Arena on December 6, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the individuals leading the city's newest professional franchise, visit People.
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