SEATTLE, WA (September 17, 2026) – The Seattle Torrent today announced that Brett Sonne has joined the organization in the role of assistant coach ahead of the 2026-27 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season. Sonne follows the offseason appointments of Head Coach Christine Bumstead and fellow assistant coach Stefanie McKeough to complete the Torrent’s bench staff for the upcoming campaign.
“Brett’s professional playing career and coaching experience will be great complements to the new identity of our coaching staff,” said Meghan Turner, Seattle Torrent General Manager. “He brings a high level of professionalism and a valuable firsthand perspective that will elevate our athletes’ development and help us compete to win in our second season. We are excited to introduce him to Seattle.”
The Maple Ridge, British Columbia native brings five seasons of coaching experience at the junior level, most recently serving as an assistant coach with the Coquitlam Express of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) from 2024–26, where he specialized in faceoffs, power-play execution and 6-on-5 offensive situations. Prior to Coquitlam, Sonne spent three seasons with the Ridge Meadows Flames of the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL), helping lead the team to its first league championship in 26 years during the 2023–24 season.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Torrent organization,” said Sonne. “I’m looking forward to building relationships with the players and staff, contributing to a high-performance environment, and doing everything I can to help this team succeed. I’m also excited to become part of the Seattle community and experience the passion of our fans. I can’t wait to get to work.”
Sonne played four seasons of major junior for the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen and was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the third round, 85th overall, in the 2007 NHL Draft. He went on to earn WHL Player of the Year honors in 2009 and was a member of Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship. He played four seasons in the American Hockey League from 2009-13, primarily with the Peoria Rivermen, and continued playing professionally overseas through 2019 before embarking on his coaching career.