Kris Sparre Appointed Head Coach of Hamilton Franchise
Kris Sparre has officially been appointed as the head coach for the Hamilton franchise in the Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), an announcement made on Wednesday. This strategic move marks his transition from the Boston Fleet, where he led the team to an impressive 62 points during the 2025-26 season, showcasing an 18-point leap from the previous year. Despite a strong season, the Fleet faced defeat against Ottawa in the semifinals, but Sparre’s efforts earned him recognition as a finalist for the PWHL coach of the year award in 2026.
Excitement for New Opportunities
Taking charge of the inaugural season of Hamilton’s team, Sparre expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to collaborate with general manager Meghan Duggan in establishing the foundation of the franchise.
“This move feels right personally and professionally, especially with my family being closer to me,”
he stated in a press release. He also expressed gratitude for the relationships and experiences he gained during his tenure in Boston, highlighting the supportive community he encountered there.
Support from General Manager
Duggan, in her excitement over Sparre’s appointment, emphasized that his diverse background in coaching speaks to his qualifications for this role.
“Kris embodies the hockey knowledge and player development skills we need to set a high standard for our organization,”
she remarked.
“It’s crucial for me to have someone on board who shares my values and vision as we create our team culture and establish what PWHL Hamilton stands for.”
A Rich Coaching Background
Prior to his coaching career with the Fleet, Sparre held coaching positions in various competitive leagues, including the Ontario Hockey League, the American Hockey League, and even Austria’s professional league. His hockey journey began as a player; he spent nine seasons in professional hockey, including time in the ECHL and Germany’s elite league.
Expansion of the PWHL
Hamilton is one of four new teams joining the PWHL, alongside Detroit, Las Vegas, and San Jose, preparing for an exciting 2023-24 season. This franchise’s debut brings fresh anticipation to the league as it expands its footprint in women’s hockey.
