Kris Sparre named head coach of PWHL Hamilton

Former Boston Fleet head coach Kris Sparre will be the head coach of the new PWHL Hamilton franchise.

The announcement came on Wednesday, just five days after Sparre was named a finalist for the PWHL's Coach of the Year award with the Boston Fleet.

In his first season coaching in the league, Sparre guided the Fleet to the second-best record (16-5-4-5) in the PWHL, which was the biggest year-over-year improvement in the league's history.

The Fleet lost in the Walter Cup semifinal to the Ottawa Charge, 3-1.

“I’m thrilled to have Kris as the first head coach in PWHL Hamilton history, bringing a combination of hockey knowledge, leadership, and player development expertise that make him an ideal fit,” PWHL Hamilton general manager Meghan Duggan said in a statement.

“I wanted someone who aligns with my core values and can establish a culture and standard that players will want to be a part of, as we forge the foundation and shape the identity of PWHL Hamilton. I believe Kris is the right person to help lead this, with a strong understanding of what it takes to build an environment where players can thrive individually while competing as a team.”

PWHL Hamilton expansion announcement

Before joining the PWHL, 39-year-old Sparre spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the AHL's San Diego Gulls, where he helped develop players for the Anaheim Ducks. He's also coached in the OHL and professionally in Austria.

Prior to that, he played professionally in Germany and in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).

The move brings the Mississauga-born Sparre, whose wife gave birth to their second child just last month, closer to home.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to build a foundation in Hamilton alongside Meghan, and moving closer to