PWHL Vancouver names Brian Idalski as 1st-ever coach
Idalski, 54, spent the past three seasons as head coach of the St. Cloud State women's hockey program.
"Brian is a proven winner who knows our sport, the players, and has coached at the highest levels," general manager Cara Gardner Morey said. "What stands out in Brian's experience is his ability to build and transform the programs he is a part of, from his work in professional leagues, at the Olympics, and turning collegiate teams into nationally ranked contenders. I'm excited that he will lead our incredible group in Vancouver and can't wait to see his vision and influence shape our foundation."
He previously led the collegiate programs at Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2001-06) and North Dakota (2007-17) before serving as head coach of the Chinese professional team Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays from 2019-22.
Idalski also coached the Chinese women's national team at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
"I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to join an organization and city like Vancouver and want to thank Cara and the league for their trust and belief in me," Idalski said. "The PWHL has had a huge impact on the global game, and to be a part of that — with expansion helping push it even further forward — is an unbelievable feeling."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
National Post
18 minutes ago
- National Post
'Snake-bitten' Argonauts drop third game in a row with loss in Edmonton
EDMONTON — The Edmonton Elks appear to be poised for a second-half surge. Article content Steven Dunbar Jr.'s early fourth-quarter touchdown catch proved to be the difference as the Elks emerged with a 28-20 victory over the Toronto Argonauts in a game between two teams clinging to playoff hopes on Friday. Article content Article content The Elks (3-6) have now won two games in a row. 'I'm really proud of this unit,' said Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo. 'Our challenge this week was to do something we haven't done this year, and that's to stack two wins on top of each other.' Article content Fajardo, who started the season as backup to Tre Ford, was 25-of-31 passing for 273 yards. Article content 'He's doing a great job with the offence right now,' said Elks head coach Mark Kilam. 'They are really rallying around each other. I thought (running back Justin) Rankin did a nice job and that the receivers were really blocking on the permitter. A credit to those guys for sure.' Article content After being held without a single rushing yard in his team's previous game, Rankin had 92 yards on the ground and 87 yards receiving. Article content The Argos (2-8), meanwhile, have now lost three straight. 'I thought the fight was there and guys were battling and we had a chance to win that game,' said Argos head coach Ryan Didwiddie, noticeably calmer than after his team's previous loss. 'But where we are at it in the season, we can't afford to lose any more games. It just wasn't our day. Article content 'Sometimes I feel like we are just snake-bitten, but I thought (quarterback) Nick (Arbuckle) gave us a chance to win.' Arbuckle threw for 382 yards on the night. Article content The teams traded field goals on their first possessions, with Toronto kicker Lirim Hajrullahu converting a 14-yard attempt after the Argos were set up by a 56-yard catch by Dave Ungerer, and Edmonton's Vincent Blanchard making a 30-yard boot through the uprights. Article content Blanchard added a 20-yard field goal late in the opening quarter. Article content Hajrullahu responded with a 45-yard field goal to start the second. Article content Toronto's defence stepped up with a big play five minutes into the second as Wynton McManis intercepted Fajardo at the Edmonton 37. However, the Argos were held to a 20-yard field goal. Article content Edmonton finally got the game's first major with just over a minute to play in the first half as running back Justin Rankin scampered in from two yards out. Article content Toronto added a punt single before halftime. Article content The Argos surged ahead midway through the third quarter as Arbuckle floated a nine-yard touchdown pass to Jake Herslow.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Goalie Gavin Betts perfect as Canada earns bronze at Hlinka Gretzky Cup
Canadian team captain Berkly Catton scored twice in a 5-0 blanking of Switzerland at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Wednesday. A Hockey Canada logo is shown on the jersey of a player with Canada's National Junior Team during a training camp practice in Calgary, Alta., Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh BRNO — Gavin Betts had a 22-save shutout as Canada earned bronze at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with a 3-0 win over Finland on Saturday. Cooper Williams, Ethan Belchetz and Daxon Rudolph supplied the offence as Canada won its 30th medal at the under-18 men's hockey tournament. Canada has won 25 golds, three silvers, and two bronzes since the international event was first held in 1991. William Gammals stopped 27 shots in net for Finland. The United States played Sweden for gold later Saturday. The 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup will be in Edmonton. The Canadian Press
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Sask. mixed martial artist competes despite genetic eye disorder
Saskatoon News Sask. mixed martial artist competes despite genetic eye disorder WATCH: An 11-year-old athlete from Saskatoon with a rare genetic eye disorder wants to share his inspiring story with the world.
