Behind the Bench: Jim Midgley Brings Player Development Focus to Sirens’ Rebuild
Jim Midgley coaches during a New York Rangers practice. Photo courtesy of the New York Rangers
Written by Ryan McAvoy
NEW YORK — The New York Sirens are entering the 2026–27 Professional Women’s Hockey League season with plenty to prove. After finishing seventh last season, the team is looking for more than a better record. It is looking to build an identity capable of turning its young talent into a consistent contender.
Jim Midgley could play an important role in that process.
The Sirens announced Aug. 24 that Midgley would join head coach Greg Fargo’s staff as an assistant coach, bringing more than two decades of coaching and scouting experience across professional, junior and international hockey. He joins assistant coach Valérie Bois and goaltending and video coach Gordon Woodhall.
Midgley has coached in the NHL with the New York Rangers, spent two seasons as an assistant with the Toronto Sceptres, served as head coach of the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads and helped Canada win gold at the 2021 IIHF Women’s World Championship.
For a Sirens team still finding its footing, that experience could be especially valuable in the development of its players.
Midgley has built his career around teaching and player development, giving him an opportunity to help the Sirens’ athletes improve individually while understanding how those improvements fit into a larger team structure.
“His impressive coaching journey across the PWHL, Team Canada, the CHL, and the NHL with the New York Rangers reflects not only an exceptional level of experience, but also a deep commitment to developing people and contributing to an elite environment,” Sirens general manager Pascal Daoust said. “Jim brings a unique perspective, a wealth of knowledge, and an unwavering passion for the game that will complement our staff, support our players in reaching their full potential, and continue to drive our organization’s relentless pursuit of excellence.”
That focus on the players could become one of Midgley’s biggest contributions.
New York has finished at the bottom of the standings in each of its first two seasons before moving up to seventh in 2025–26. The team also lost six players during the offseason expansion process, including goaltender Kayle Osborne, who was selected by PWHL Hamilton.
The Sirens responded by adding new pieces, including Ohio State defender Emma Peschel, selected seventh overall in the 2026 PWHL Draft. With new players joining a group still searching for consistency, building trust and cohesion will be just as important as improving systems on the ice.
Midgley’s experience coaching women’s hockey gives him an opportunity to help make that transition smoother. His role will not simply be telling players what they need to do differently, but helping them understand why those adjustments matter and giving them the confidence to apply them during games.
The Sirens also have clear areas that need improvement.
New York recorded a league-high 302 penalty minutes last season while posting a 78.9 percent penalty kill. Toronto, meanwhile, finished with 195 penalty minutes and an 85.1 percent penalty kill during Midgley’s final season with the Sceptres.
Reducing penalties and improving the penalty kill could be among Midgley’s immediate priorities. His challenge will be helping players become more disciplined without taking away the competitive edge that makes them effective.
Offensively, New York also has room to grow. The Sirens scored 63 goals in 30 games last season, the second-lowest total in the league.
Midgley can help address that weakness by working with players on decision-making, offensive awareness and confidence. Creating a stronger scoring culture will require more than simply asking players to produce. It will mean helping them recognize opportunities and trust their abilities when those opportunities arise.
For younger players in particular, having a coach who can turn mistakes into teaching moments can be an important part of development.
For the Sirens, the goal is not to erase the struggles of their first three seasons. It is to learn from them and build something better.
“It’s clear there’s a shared vision and commitment to building a winning culture, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of that journey,” Midgley said. “I look forward to working alongside an outstanding staff and a talented group of athletes who are committed to competing at the highest level.”
Midgley’s impact may ultimately be measured by more than wins and losses. If he can help the Sirens become more disciplined, confident and connected while giving their young talent the tools to grow, his influence could extend well beyond the systems drawn up on a whiteboard.
New York has spent its first three seasons searching for its breakthrough. With a revamped roster and an experienced new voice behind the bench, the Sirens have an opportunity to make 2026–27 the season they begin turning potential into progress.
