From AHL assistant to Las Vegas PWHL boss: Kim Weiss’ fast jump into a new team

Kim Weiss, who has transitioned from an assistant coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) to head coach of the Las Vegas expansion team in the PWHL, brings an extensive background in women's hockey. Prior to joining PWHL, Weiss had been involved with Team USA for the past four years, which facilitated her smooth transition into her new role.

She credits her familiarity with the PWHL to her involvement with Team USA. At the news conference, Weiss highlighted that her insights primarily come from her players, including Erin Ambrose, Hayley Scamurra, and Nicole Hensley. Las Vegas is one of four new teams set to commence play in the PWHL this fall, which operates under a single ownership entity.

The team is awaiting its nickname and will play at T-Mobile Arena and Lee's Family Forum. General manager Dominique DiDia, who hired Weiss, noted that they played together in college at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, and have been in touch since. DiDia praised Weiss's leadership skills, noting that she could see her potential even 10 years ago when she was a sophomore and named captain.

The relationship between Weiss and DiDia has been seamless since they started working together, as DiDia mentioned that they came up with every decision in lockstep from the start. DiDia emphasized that their goal is not just to make the playoffs but to win the Walter Cup every season. The hiring of Weiss represents a significant step forward for women's sports in Las Vegas, with five female coaches among the 12 PWHL teams, a stark contrast to the two coaches last season.

The emphasis on women's sports in Las Vegas, as highlighted by Weiss and DiDia, is deeply rooted in their shared appreciation for the growth of hockey in Canada. Both Ambrose, a WNBA player, and Weiss, a hockey enthusiast, expressed their excitement about the league's potential to grow and thrive in the city.