PWHL New York hires Greg Fargo as new head coach

The team near the Big Apple has its new bench boss.

On Friday, PWHL New York announced it has hired Greg Fargo as the team’s new head coach.

“I am very proud to welcome Greg Fargo to our family,” PWHL New York General Manager Pascal Daoust said in a release. “His track record of repeated successes and honors, both individually and through team victories and titles at Colgate, speaks for itself. The discipline and consistency demonstrated by his athletes on the ice reflect the high standards we aim to present to New York fans: a committed, dedicated group that competes with passion, focusing our collective efforts towards a single, unified goal.” 

Fargo takes over the coaching reins after Howie Draper led the team during the inaugural season. New York and Draper mutually parted ways shortly after the regular season.

Fargo makes the jump to the professional ranks after spending the last 12 seasons as the head coach for Colgate University’s women’s hockey program. During his time in upstate New York, the Raiders made it to the NCAA National Tournament five times, winning the ECAC Tournament five times, earning conference coach of the year honors in 2020-21. While leading the Raiders to a 255-147-34 record, Fargo got to coach current New York players Jesse Eldridge and Olivia Zafuto, as well as draft-eligible prospect Danielle Serdachny.

“I am thrilled about the opportunity to join PWHL New York and coach some of the best players in the world,” said Fargo. “This league is on an exciting trajectory, and I am eager to contribute to its growth and success. This is a great opportunity to continue to develop as a coach and pursue championships in the premier league of women’s hockey. The upcoming off-season is full of potential, and I can’t wait to get started.” 

The Kingston, Ontario native also was the assistant coach for Team Canada at the 2016 IIHF Women’s Under-18 World Championship, when the team won the silver medal. NY defender Jamie Bourbonnais was on that roster.

New York holds the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, thanks to posting a league-worst 5-4-3-12 record, finishing nine points out of a playoff spot. The team had solid goaltending and excellent offensive weapons, but they were unable to put together a winning strategy on a consistent basis. The team is projected to pick Princeton and Team Canada star Sarah Fillier as the first overall pick.

The 2024 PWHL Draft is set to take place in St. Paul, Minnesota on Monday, June 10, at 6 p.m. ET.