Kris Sparre Takes Command of Boston Fleet
The PWHL’s Boston Fleet team has announced Kris Sparre as their new head coach, marking a milestone for the franchise. Sparre, 38, joins the team with solid hockey experience, although without prior experience in women’s hockey. He replaces Courtney Kessel, who left the team after a successful season with a record of 27-19-8 and a participation in the Walter Cup Finals, to take on a new role at Princeton. Kessel’s departure reduces the number of female head coaches in the PWHL to only two in the eight franchises.
Sparre, originally from Toronto, had a nine-season career as a forward in minor leagues and in Germany. Previously, he worked as an assistant coach for Red Bull Salzburg from 2019 to 2021, and then spent three seasons with the San Diego Gulls, the AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. Fleet General Manager Danielle Marmer highlighted Sparre’s experience in the AHL, where coaches must balance success with player development, as a key factor in his selection.This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a league that has experienced remarkable growth and momentum in recent seasons. Boston is one of the world’s leading sports cities, and I look forward to building a program that can compete for a championship every season.
Kris Sparre
The Fleet team has eight players from the roster that reached the finals in the inaugural PWHL season. However, they must replace their 36-year-old captain and league MVP finalist, Hilary Knight, who was not protected in the expansion draft and is moving to Seattle, after a season in which she tied for the league lead with 29 points.Our players need to grow and perform in real time, and Kris understands how to create that environment. He is known as a relationship-oriented coach and an elite communicator, someone who builds trust, connects with the players, and brings energy and purpose to the court every day.
Danielle Marmer
