Goyette was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017 and joins PWHL Detroit after five years with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
Howard played 543 regular-season games with the Detroit Red Wings over 14 years, bringing his experience as a Stanley Cup-winning goaltender to the PWHL
DETROIT, MI (September 29, 2026) – PWHL Detroit today announced that Hockey Hall of Famer Danielle Goyette and Stanley Cup champion Jimmy Howard have joined the team in the roles of assistant coach and goaltending coach, respectively, ahead of the team’s inaugural 2026-27 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season.
Goyette joins PWHL Detroit following a decorated career as a player, coach, and player development executive. She was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017, the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2013, and named to the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2018. As a member of Canada’s National Women’s Team from 1991 to 2007, Goyette played 172 international games and recorded 219 points (114G, 105A). She won three Olympic medals (two gold, one silver), and nine IIHF Women’s World Championship medals (eight gold, one silver).
“Danielle's resume is incredible, and she has proven herself to be an extremely prolific coach and player many times over,” said Manon Rhéaume, General Manager of PWHL Detroit. “Between coaching at the University of Calgary, Canada’s National Women’s Team, and spending time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, she understands how the game changes across all levels of the sport. Bringing in an assistant coach who has experience winning, both as a player and as a coach, is so important to PWHL Detroit. Danielle is going to be a great asset to our players as we develop our identity as a team and is a fantastic addition to our coaching staff.”
Following her playing career, the native of St-Nazaire, QC, transitioned into coaching and player development, most recently serving as Director of Player Development for the Toronto Maple Leafs through the 2025-26 season. Prior to her time in Toronto, Goyette served as head coach of the University of Calgary women’s hockey team, leading the program to a U SPORTS National Championship in 2012. She also served as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Women’s Team, winning gold and silver medals at the 2012 and 2013 Women’s Worlds, and gold at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
“It’s a great opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to joining PWHL Detroit and working with such a great group of people, staff, and coaches, led by Manon Rhéaume,” said Goyette. “It’s a new team and the first-ever professional women’s hockey team in Detroit, with a great mix of experienced and younger players. We have an exciting opportunity to build something special and create a team environment that will be fun and exciting to be part of, especially in a hockey city like Detroit.”
Howard brings goaltending experience from a 14-year NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, playing 543 regular-season games, recording 246 wins and 24 shutouts, and was a member of the 2008 Stanley Cup-winning team. He turned pro following a standout collegiate career at the University of Maine and was named to the 2006 AHL All-Rookie Team, 2010 NHL All-Rookie Team, was selected to three NHL All-Star Games, and represented the United States at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and 2017 Men’s Worlds.
“Jimmy knows what it means to be a professional athlete in Detroit and knows what hockey means to this city,” said Rhéaume. “He was so fortunate to spend his entire career in Detroit, and I know he's going to bring so much knowledge to our team as our goaltending coach. It’s going to be a great opportunity for our goalies to learn from Jimmy, not only on the ice, but also how to manage the mental side of things and the highs and lows you go through playing that position. He’s seen the game played in front of him for 14 seasons and has great insight into what our players can do to bring our team to the next level.”
Since retiring from the NHL in 2021, the native of Syracuse, NY, has continued to coach in the Detroit hockey community with the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, bringing his experience as an NHL goaltender into his work with developing players.
“It’s such an incredible honor to be the goaltending coach for PWHL Detroit,” said Howard. “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such an amazing group of athletes and staff. I’m proud to be part of this team and this city!”
Goyette and Howard join the PWHL Detroit coaching staff led by Head Coach Josh Sciba, which also includes assistant coach Molly Engstrom, appointed in June.
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. 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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