Hamilton PWHL announces two assistant coaches

Hamilton’s professional women’s hockey league team has added two assistant coaches ahead of its inaugural 2026-27 season.

Rochester, N.Y., native Chelsea Walkland joins after coaching at Robert Morris University, Colgate University and Bishop Kearney in its elite prep high school hockey program. Walkland also has international experience on Team USA’s women’s hockey staff.

“We are going to create something special in this community and I think the fans are really excited about hockey,” says Walkland about joining the team’s staff.

Also announced to the team is Calgary’s Connor James, who brings to the bench more than a thousand professional games, including 16 in the NHL with Los Angeles and Pittsburgh.

James spent time in the AHL and ECHL before continuing his career overseas in Germany. He also coached for the Burlington Eagles’ AAA program across multiple age groups from 2019-26.

“Connor has a genuine passion for teaching and developing players as well as tremendous character and ability to make the people around him better. We believe his experience, energy, and ability to connect with our group will make a significant impact on our team,” says Hamilton PWHL General Manager Meghan Duggan.

Walkland and James are the first additions to head coach Kris Sparre’s staff as the team builds toward its PWHL debut.

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