James Nichols
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced today that Meghan Duggan—now the former Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Devils—has been appointed General Manager of the new PWHL Hamilton franchise.
The Devils are actively working through naming a new Director of Player Development. New Jersey Hockey Now has learned that could come in the form of a title consolidation, an internal promotion, or an external hire.
Duggan spent five years with the Devils. She joined in May 2021 as Manager of Player Development and was promoted to Director of Player Development in May 2022. During that time, she also served as a Special Consultant to Hockey Operations for the PWHL and as a member of the league’s Player Safety Committee.
Devils players such as Luke Hughes and Seamus Casey have credited Duggan as a key in their respective developments.
Duggan will build Hamilton’s hockey operations staff and lead roster construction for the team’s first 2026-27 season, including the PWHL Draft on June 17 in Detroit.
A 14-year Team USA veteran, Duggan won one Olympic gold, two silvers, and eight IIHF World Championship medals. She captained the 2018 Olympic gold medal team. At Wisconsin, she won three national titles and the 2011 Patty Kazmaier Award.
She helped found the PWHPA in 2019 and has been involved with the PWHL since 2024, including coaching in the 3-on-3 Showcase at the 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend.
In her statement, Duggan said she will build the team around strong relationships, trust, accountability, and consistent daily habits.
“I’m incredibly honored and energized to join PWHL Hamilton as General Manager,” said Duggan. “This league represents the future of women’s professional sports and the opportunity to help build a team, culture, and identity from the ground up is a privilege. I’ve always believed winning cultures are developed through a commitment to strong relationships, trust, accountability, and consistent daily habits, and these principles will guide everything we do. Hamilton is a passionate sports city with a rich hockey tradition, and my goal is to create an environment where players can thrive and compete for a championship. I’m grateful to the PWHL for their trust in me to lead this expansion team and I’m eager to get to work!”
Hamilton is one of four new PWHL teams entering the league for the 2026-27 season.
