Kris Sparre has been named the first head coach of the expansion PWHL Hamilton franchise, the team announced on Wednesday.
Sparre, 39, joins PWHL Hamilton after a successful campaign with the Boston Fleet last season, in which he was a finalist for the PWHL Coach of the Year award and led the Fleet to the biggest year-over-year improvement in league history.
The Fleet finished fifth in the PWHL in the 2024-25 season with 44 points, and improved to second last year under Sparre with 62 points.
“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 release.
“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.”
Sparre is a native of Mississauga Ont., and has made coaching stops with the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL, EC Salzburg in German hockey, Flint Firebirds of the OHL and the AHL’s San Diego Gulls in his 10 years of professional coaching.
“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,” said Sparre.
“I’ll always be thankful for my time in Boston and the relationships built along the way. I’m incredibly grateful to Danielle Marmer for believing in me and giving me my first opportunity as a head coach with the Fleet, 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. I look forward to helping lead a new team that Hamilton can be proud of.”
PWHL Hamilton is one of four expansion teams set to join the league in the 2026-27 season, along with teams in San Jose, Las Vegas and Detroit.
