Jim Midgley Hired as PWHL Toronto Assistant Coach

On Tuesday, PWHL Toronto announced the hiring of Jim Midgley as their newest assistant coach. 

The hiring rounds out Toronto’s coaching staff, as Midgley will join fellow assistant Rachel Flanagan, and reigning PWHL Coach of the Year Troy Ryan behind the bench. 

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Jim to our organization,” said Toronto general manager Gina Kingsbury in the press release. “He brings a contagious energy that has a positive impact on the teams he works with both on and off the ice. We are excited to add Jim to our organization and look forward to kick-starting season two.” 

Originally from Townsend, Ontario, Midgley spent last season in his second stint as the head coach of the QMJHL Halifax Mooseheads, the team he won the Memorial Cup with as an assistant in 2013. 

“I am extremely humbled and honoured to become part of the PWHL Toronto coaching staff,” Midgley said. “It will be an immense privilege to witness these athletes make history in the hockey industry and pioneer opportunities for future female athletes.” 

Midgley brings over 20 years of coaching experience to the Toronto staff, including at the 2021 IIHF World Championships as Ryan’s assistant for the gold medal winning Team Canada squad. On that team were multiple PWHL Toronto stars, including last season’s leading scorer Natalie Spooner, captain Blayre Turnbull, and top defenders Renata Fast and Jocelyn Larocque among others. 

PWHL Toronto finished first in the regular season standings last year with a record of 13-4-0-7. They will look to repeat their success from season one when the PWHL returns in the fall.