(Photo credit: Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Meghan Duggan, a former Team USA star who transitioned into work in the front office of the New Jersey Devils, has been named the first general manager of the expansion Hamilton team in the Professional Women's Hockey League.

'Meghan has been an effective leader at every stage of her career, and she is a rising star in the front office ranks,' said Jayna Hefford, PWHL executive vice president of hockey operations said in announcing the hiring. 'Meghan's long list of on-ice achievements, coupled with her extensive background in development and community-building, make her a seamless fit to guide PWHL Hamilton into its first season.'

Duggan, 38, a Massachusetts native, joined the Devils five years ago as manager of player development and was promoted a year later to director of the department. Simultaneously, she was a special consultant to hockey operations for the PWHL and a member of the league's player safety committee.

'I'm incredibly honored and energized to join PWHL Hamilton as General Manager,' Duggan said in a team statement. '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.'

The Devils thanked Duggan with a post on X.

'Thank you, Meghan, for everything you gave the Devils' organization over the past five years. Congratulations on earning this incredible opportunity,' the team wrote. 'Wishing you the best of luck.'

Duggan won three NCAA titles at Wisconsin, as well as 11 medals at three Winter Olympics (one gold, two silver) and eight IIHF Women's World Championships (seven gold, one silver). She was captain of the 2018 U.S. team that won the gold medal at the Pyeongchang Olympics.

Hamilton and three other expansion teams -- Detroit, Las Vegas and San Jose -- are joining the league as it expands to 12 teams for the 2026-27 season.

--Field Level Media