Pascal Rhéaume has been named the new head coach of the PWHL’s Toronto Sceptres.
The 52-year-old native of Quebec City played 318 games in the NHL and most recently served as an assistant coach with the American Hockey League’s Bridgeport Islanders.
“I am honoured to be joining the Toronto Sceptres and cannot thank [general manger] Gina [Kingsbury] and the leadership group for their trust in what I can bring to the team,” said Rhéaume in a statement. “I’m looking forward to getting started here, working with the players and staff, and meeting the incredible fans here in Toronto. Excited to get started!”
Rhéaume replaces Troy Ryan, who had been with the Sceptres since the inaugural PWHL season in 2023-24. Ryan is now serving as the head coach and general manager of the PWHL’s San Jose expansion team.
After making the playoffs in each of their first two season, Toronto took a step back in 2025-26, finishing outside of the postseason picture with a 10-1-6-13 record.
Rhéaume’s coaching experience includes two seasons as the main bench boss for the QMJHL’s Val d’Or Foreurs and two seasons as an assistant for the ECHL’s Trois-Rivieres Lions. He was on Bridgeport’s coaching staff from 2023 to 2025.
“We are excited to welcome Pascal Rhéaume to the Toronto Sceptres as our new head coach. Pascal brings a fresh perspective, a new voice, and valuable professional experience to our organization. Throughout our search process, it was important for us to find a coach who could build meaningful relationships, while also creating an environment that challenges players to grow and perform at their highest level,” said Gina Kingsbury, Sceptres general manager.
“Pascal is known for his commitment to hard work and fostering a close-knit locker room. We believe Pascal’s leadership, experience, and approach to player development will have a tremendous impact on our group as we continue to build and strive towards new heights as a professional organization.”
Rhéaume helped the New Jersey Devils win the Stanley Cup in 2003 and produced 39 goals and 52 assists over 318 career games as a forward with the Devils, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Atlanta Thrashers, New York Rangers and Phoenix Coyotes in his career.
Rhéaume also won a Calder Cup with the Albany River Rats in 1995.
