DETROIT, MI (June 12, 2026) – PWHL Detroit today announced that Molly Engstrom has joined the organization in the role of assistant coach ahead of the team’s inaugural 2026-27 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season. A two-time U.S. Olympian as a player, Engstrom has spent the past four seasons as head coach of the University of Maine women’s ice hockey program.
“Molly’s experience as a coach and as a former player who competed at the highest level is exciting to add to our group, as someone who understands the dynamics of successful teams on and off the ice,” said Manon Rhéaume, PWHL Detroit General Manager. “She aligns with the vision and core values we are building within the organization and will be relatable for our players alongside the important support she provides Head Coach Josh Sciba.”
Engstrom joined the University of Maine in August of 2022 and was a runner-up for Hockey East Coach of the Year in her debut season. Under her leadership, the Black Bears had success competing with nationally ranked opponents, set a record for the best power play in program history, and developed players to various professional leagues.
“I am thrilled to be joining PWHL Detroit and want to thank Manon and the team for their support and for believing in me and trusting me to take on this challenge and opportunity,” said Engstrom. “The PWHL’s momentum has been incredible for the sport of women’s hockey and I’m fortunate to help be a part of its continued growth at this level. I can't wait to hit the ice with the team for our inaugural season.”
Prior to Maine, the native of Siren, WI, coached at St. Cloud State for three years from 2019-22 where she led a strong defensive core. She has also served as the head coach for Team USA’s Collegiate U22 Team in 2025, was an assistant coach with USA Hockey’s U22 Women’s Collegiate Team in 2024, and served as an assistant coach alongside Sciba in select games of the Rivalry Series against Canada in 2022 with a roster that featured current PWHL Detroit players Cayla Barnes, Hannah Bilka and Jesse Compher.
As a player, Engstrom earned a silver medal with Team USA at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games where she was named Best Defender and a Tournament All-Star. She also won Olympic bronze in 2006 along with six medals at IIHF Women’s World Championships, including four gold and two silver, and was named Best Defender of the 2007 tournament. Following a decorated collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin, the First Team All-American honoree went on to win CWHL championships in 2008 and 2013, and a SDHL title in 2017.
ABOUT PWHL DETROIT
PWHL Detroit 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 January 2024 and features the best women’s hockey players in the world. PWHL Detroit was officially announced as one of the league’s four new expansion teams on May 6 and will debut at Little Caesars Arena in the fall. Fans can place a time-stamped deposit here, opens in a new tab to secure priority access to season tickets for PWHL Detroit’s historic inaugural season, once ticket packages are released. To learn more and stay up to date, visit DetroitPWHL.com, subscribe to the newsletter here, opens in a new tab and follow the team on Facebook PWHL Detroit, opens in a new tab, Instagram @PWHL__Detroit, opens in a new tab, X @PWHL__Detroit, opens in a new tab, TikTok @PWHL__Detroit, opens in a new tab, YouTube PWHL Detroit, opens in a new tab, Threads @PWHL__Detroit, opens in a new tab, and Bluesky @PWHL--Detroit, opens in a new tab.
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