Former Huskies, Blades coach Bumstead promoted to head coach by PWHL’s Seattle Torrent

A former coach for both the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and Saskatoon Blades is getting an opportunity to lead a Professional Women’s Hockey League franchise.

On Thursday, the PWHL’s Seattle Torrent announced that Christine Bumstead had been promoted to head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Read more:

• Former Huskies, Blades coach Bumstead relishing first PWHL season
• Saskatoon Blades hire first female coach in club history
• Yorkton Terriers select Duke Lesnar, the son of wrestling royalty, in SJHL Draft

Bumstead, 30, is coming off her first season on a PWHL bench with Seattle, where she served as an assistant coach to Steve O’Rourke.

The Torrent and O’Rourke mutually parted ways last month following a last-place finish in the team’s inaugural season, with an 8-1-5-16 record.

In a statement, Bumstead said the opportunity to take on the top job was one she couldn’t pass up.

“Season one in Seattle was special, and I am humbled and honoured to continue building on hit,” Bumstead said.

“I believe Seattle is the best city in the world for women’s sports. Our fans showed up night in and night out, and it has been a privilege to be on the bench representing them. I am beyond grateful for the trust placed in me to help lead this organization.”

Prior to her first season with the Torrent, Bumstead was a fixture in the Saskatoon hockey community, spending a four-year stint as an assistant coach to Steve Kook with the Huskies’ women’s hockey team.

In 2023, she became the first woman to coach with the Western Hockey League’s Blades after she was hired as a performance coach.

In addition, Bumstead coached at the WHL Cup with Team Manitoba, was selected to join the NHL Coaches Association Female Mentorship Group, guest coached at Florida Panthers training camp, and served as head coach and general manager for Canada’s women’s team at the 2024 World Deaf Ice Hockey Championship.

“Christine brings a valuable combination of hockey expertise, leadership presence and an unwavering commitment to high standards,” added Torrent general manager Meghan Turner.

“Her unique background in education and diverse coaching resume, combined with a strong natural ability to build trust and meaningful connections, make her well-suited to lead our team. I’m confident that Christine’s vision and style will set us on the right path as we build into our second season and strive toward our goal of bringing a Walter Cup home to Seattle.”

Bumstead will be taking over a Seattle roster in transition ahead of the second season for the a franchise, with the team losing several stars in the 2026-27 expansion process in Hilary Knight, Cayla Barnes, Hannah Bilka, Corinne Schroeder and Megan Carter.

But despite the departures, Bumstead said she’s encouraged by the momentum generated during the team’s inaugural season and what’s to come next winter.

“Long before I was a part of the league, I was inspired by what the PWHL is building,” Bumstead said.

“I do not take this opportunity lightly. I feel incredibly fortunate to play a role in sparking dreams for the next generation of players. The best is still ahead for Seattle Torrent hockey and we can’t wait to continue growing.”