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Kris Sparre, former head coach of the Boston Fleet, has been named 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 Coach of the Year award while leading Boston.
In his debut season as a PWHL head coach, Sparre guided the Fleet to a 16-5-4-5 record, the second-best in the league and the biggest year-over-year improvement in PWHL history. The team’s playoff run ended with a 3-1 loss to the Ottawa Charge in the Walter Cup semifinal.
“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,” said Hamilton general manager Meghan Duggan. “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. Kris has a strong understanding of what it takes to build an environment where players can thrive individually while competing as a team.”
Before joining the Boston Fleet, Sparre spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls, helping to develop players for the Anaheim Ducks. He has also coached in the OHL and professionally in Austria. As a player, Sparre competed professionally in Germany and the ECHL.
The Hamilton role brings Sparre, who was born in Mississauga, closer to home. His wife welcomed their second child just last month.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to build a foundation in Hamilton alongside Meghan, and moving closer to home and being near family makes this the right step for me personally and professionally,” Sparre said. “I’ll always be thankful for my time in Boston and the relationships built along the way. I’m incredibly grateful to Fleet GM Danielle Marmer for believing in me and giving me my first opportunity as a head coach, and to the staff and players for their commitment and passion that truly made it a privilege. The entire organization and fans in Boston showed me just how special it is to be a part of the PWHL community, and I’ll carry those memories and experiences with me as I begin this next chapter.”
At the Fleet’s end-of-season press conference, Marmer praised Sparre’s ability to develop players and inspire them. “It’s his experience, but I also think it’s his knowledge of the game,” Marmer said. “And then it’s the charisma and energy level, and what coming to the rink every day looks like. It’s fun. He pushes them, but they want to work hard because there’s a real level of care for the players, and getting to know the players and wanting this to be a fun experience.”
Marmer will now face the challenge of hiring Boston’s third head coach in four seasons. Former coach Courtney Kessel left after two seasons to take the head coaching job at Princeton University.
The GM said the team had hoped to keep Sparre but respected his wish to be closer to family. “While transitions are never easy, they also create an opportunity to grow and expand on what’s been built over the past three seasons,” Marmer said. “As the Fleet, we have always championed a team-first culture and remain dedicated to building a team this city can be proud of. We are deeply committed to hiring a head coach who not only shares our values but will continue to elevate our team on and off the ice.”
Boston joins Las Vegas, Detroit, Toronto, and Seattle as PWHL teams searching for head coaches ahead of the next season. Hamilton will be one of the league’s expansion teams competing in the 2026-2027 PWHL season.
