Boston Fleet hires Kris Sparre, former AHL, as new PWHL coach

Kris Sparre Takes the Helm of Boston Fleet

Wellesley, Mass. – The Boston Fleet have announced Kris Sparre as their new head coach, marking a milestone in the PWHL franchise. Sparre, an experienced 38-year-old assistant, takes the reins of the team succeeding Courtney Kessel. Kessel, who left the team to coach at Princeton, left a legacy of 27-19-8 and an outstanding participation in the Walter Cup Finals.

The new coach, Kris Sparre, a former AHL player, faces significant challenges, including the departure of the team leader, Hilary Knight, who was sent to Seattle.

“This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a league that has experienced remarkable growth and momentum in recent seasons,” Sparre said.

Kris Sparre

Sparre, a Toronto native, has a nine-season career as a forward in minor leagues and in Germany. Previously, he served as an assistant coach for Red Bull Salzburg from 2019 to 2021, and then spent three seasons with the San Diego Gulls, AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. Fleet General Manager Danielle Marmer highlighted that Sparre’s experience in the AHL, where coaches must balance success with player development, makes him an ideal choice.

“Our players need to grow and perform in real time, and Kris understands how to create that environment. He is known for being a coach who prioritizes relationships and an elite communicator: someone who generates trust, connects with the players, and brings energy and purpose to the court every day,” Marmer stated.

Danielle Marmer

The Fleet team retains eight players from the roster that reached the finals in the inaugural PWHL season. However, they face the challenge of replacing Hilary Knight, a 36-year-old captain and finalist for the league’s MVP, who was left unprotected in the expansion draft and will now play in Seattle, after a season in which she tied for the league lead with 29 points.