Seattle Torrent General Manager Meghan Turner announced Tuesday that the team has parted ways with head coach Steve O’Rourke. The decision comes after the club’s inaugural season in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which saw the team finish in eighth place with 31 points.
O’Rourke, who was hired in September 2023, guided the Torrent through 30 regular-season games. The team posted an overall record of 8 wins, 1 overtime win, 5 overtime losses, and 16 regulation losses. Despite a strong start in the league’s first season, the Torrent struggled to find consistent success on the ice, finishing with a .500 points-per-game average.
Turner expressed gratitude for O’Rourke’s efforts during the team’s first year. “We are grateful to Steve for his contributions to the Seattle Torrent during our inaugural season. We wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future,” she said.
The coaching change marks a pivotal moment for the Torrent as they enter the off-season. With the PWHL preparing for its second season, the team will look to build on its roster and find a new voice in the locker room. The Torrent’s 8-1-5-16 record placed them behind several teams that made playoff contention a reality.
The team’s struggles were most evident in the second half of the season. After a 5-2-2 start, the Torrent went 3-1-3-14 in their final 20 games. The club’s 16 regulation losses ranked among the worst in the league, highlighting the need for a coaching reset.
The Torrent will begin their search for a new head coach immediately. Turner has not indicated a timeline for the hiring process but has emphasized that the club will move quickly to ensure continuity as the season approaches.
O’Rourke’s departure leaves a leadership void that the organization must fill. With the PWHL expanding its footprint and increasing its visibility, the Torrent’s performance will be under close scrutiny in 2024. The team’s next move will determine whether they can rise in the standings or continue to struggle.
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