The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has enlisted the expertise of Meghan Duggan, a three-time Olympian for the United States and current director of player development for the New Jersey Devils, to contribute to its hockey operations department.

Duggan is set to take on the role of special consultant for the league, which is preparing for its second season that commences on November 30. While her specific responsibilities have not been outlined in detail, it is anticipated that she will provide insights on various aspects including rule modifications, scheduling, and player personnel decisions.

According to Jayna Hefford, vice president of the PWHL, Duggan’s inclusion is a significant move for the league. Hefford remarked, “Meghan is a longstanding supporter of women’s hockey, a recognized leader, and a successful executive in top-tier sports. As we focus on fostering growth and innovation in our sport, we believe Meghan will leverage her competitiveness, character, and impressive hockey resume to help advance our league.”

Noteworthy changes within the PWHL include the introduction of the so-called “Jail-Break” rule, which stipulates that a minor penalty is nullified if the penalized team manages to score while short-handed. Additionally, the league outlined a strategy last month to potentially increase its size by adding up to two more teams for the 2025-26 season.

A native of Massachusetts, Duggan has previous experience with the PWHL as a guest coach and has been with the New Jersey Devils since May 2021. She transitioned to her current role after a distinguished playing career that saw her clinch an Olympic gold medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. She is also actively involved with USA Hockey’s board of directors and was one of the initial members of the NHL’s player inclusion committee.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Duggan stated, “I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to join the PWHL and continue to play a role in advancing the women’s game. This league and its competitors have only begun to tap into their potential, and I look forward to providing guidance and support in every way possible.”