Achi news desk-
The Calgary Hitmen announced Thursday that Seattle Kraken assistant Paul McFarland will be their next head coach.
McFarland, 38, has half a decade of major junior experience as an assistant coach, head coach and general manager, as well as six seasons as an assistant coach in the NHL with the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Kraken.
Prior to joining the Panthers organization, McFarland served as an assistant coach for two years with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals and three seasons as the head coach of the Kingston Frontenacs.
“We are extremely excited to introduce Paul to the Hitmen and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation,” Hitmen general manager Garry Davidson said in a media release.
“Paul brings significant experience and knowledge from his previous NHL and major junior positions,” added Davidson. “He will be a tremendous influence on and off the ice for our team as we continue to grow and develop with the goal of a WHL and Memorial Cup Championship.”
Before launching his coaching career in 2012, McFarland played three seasons with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, where he was part of a team that won the 2003 Memorial Cup. He also played for the Windsor Spitfires before moving on to play three seasons with the Acadia Axeman, where he was captain of the men’s hockey team.
The university’s athletic department created the Paul McFarland Community Captain Award, which is given to a men’s hockey player who demonstrates leadership in the community as well as the classroom.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Calgary Hitmen and become a member of the Calgary community,” said McFarland. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the people and players within the organization and look forward to working together to build this program to a championship level.”
McFarland will be joined in Calgary by his wife Kelly and sons Cooper and Keaton.
