The Seattle Torrent of the Professional Women’s Hockey League have named Christine Bumstead of Winnipeg, Manitoba as their new head coach according to the Associated Press on Thursday. Bumstead replaces Steve O’Rourke of Summerland, British Columbia, who was fired on May 22.
It was a disappointing first season for the Torrent in the PWHL. They were the worst team in the league bye five points during the 2025-26 campaign. Seattle had a record of nine wins (eight wins in regulation and one win in extra time), 16 regulation losses and five losses in extra time for 31 points. The second worst PWHL franchise were the New York Sirens with 36 points.
Bumstead was with the Torrent last season. She was Seattle’s assistant coach and has been promoted to head coach. Prior to last season, Bumstead had four seasons of coaching experience in the province of Saskatchewan. She was the assistant coach for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in USport from 2021 to 2024, and the development coach for the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League from 2023 to 2025.
As a player, Bumstead played defense. She played for the St. Mary’s Academy High from 2009 to 2011, St. Mary’s Academy AAA Prep from 2011 to 2013, and then 17 games with the Polar Ice in the Manitoba Women’s Junior Hockey League. She had one goal and three assists for four points.
