Kris Sparre has officially been appointed the first head coach of the new PWHL Hamilton franchise, marking a major step in the organization’s preparations for its debut season.
The announcement arrived shortly after Sparre earned recognition as a finalist for the Professional Women’s Hockey League Coach of the Year award following an impressive campaign with the Boston Fleet. During his first season in the league, Sparre guided Boston to the second-best record in the PWHL and delivered one of the largest year-over-year improvements in league history.
Although the Fleet fell to the Ottawa Charge in the Walter Cup semifinals, Sparre’s leadership, player development skills, and energetic coaching style earned praise across the league.
Hamilton general manager Meghan Duggan described Sparre as the ideal choice to establish the culture and competitive identity of the expansion franchise. She emphasized his ability to create an environment where athletes can develop individually while succeeding collectively as a team.
Before entering the PWHL, the 39-year-old coach spent several seasons with the San Diego Gulls, contributing to player development connected to the Anaheim Ducks organization. His coaching résumé also includes experience in the Ontario Hockey League and professional hockey programs in Austria.
Originally from Mississauga, Sparre said the opportunity allows him to return closer to family while beginning an exciting new chapter in Hamilton. He also expressed gratitude toward the Boston organization for giving him his first head coaching opportunity within the PWHL.
The appointment signals a major milestone for Hamilton’s expansion franchise as the league continues rapid growth ahead of the 2026–27 season, which will also include new teams in Detroit and Las Vegas.
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