The roster-building process continues with the June 17 expansion draft at Detroit’s Fox Theatre.

There is a clear emphasis on Michigan ties in staff, underscored by Rheaume’s role as general manager and Sciba’s appointment as head coach.

A Notre Dame alumnus, Sciba played four seasons of men’s hockey at Notre Dame before transitioning to coaching, adding NCAA experience to his profile.

Sciba arrives with a distinguished background, including two seasons as an assistant for the New York Sirens and a gold-medal stint with the U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team, plus ongoing involvement with the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2022.

Staffing announcements for the new team are part of the broader build, with coverage tracing back to a May 6, 2026 report.

Detroit will launch its PWHL team under first head coach Sciba, who calls it an honor and highlights the region’s ties to Michigan and the impact on women’s professional hockey growth, with leadership from Manon Rheaume as a central factor.

Observers will watch how geography shapes roster construction for the new squad.

Hamilton, Las Vegas, and San Jose were confirmed as additional expansion teams for 2026, all operating on the same roster-building timeline.

The league outlined its 2026 Expansion Roster Distribution Process, including negotiation windows and the June 17 PWHL Draft, followed by an Open Signing Period on June 19.

Officials caution that the roster next week will rely beyond local talent, as some top Michigan players may not be available and a broader regional approach is needed.

The PWHL Draft is set for June 17 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, with tickets on sale through Ticketmaster.

Detroit is a priority market for PWHL expansion, hosting both the PWHL Awards on June 16 and the Draft on June 17, marking a pivotal period for the league’s growth and the team’s launch.