Boston Fleet Appoints Kris Sparre as New Head Coach
Boston, MA – In a significant move for the franchise, the Boston Fleet announced Kris Sparre as their new head coach at a press conference on Wednesday. Sparre, previously an assistant coach with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls, becomes the second coach in the team’s history, stepping in to replace Courtney Kessel, who left to lead Princeton’s women’s hockey program.
“I’m honored and thrilled to be named the head coach of the Boston Fleet,” Sparre stated. He expressed excitement about the opportunity in a league experiencing substantial growth, emphasizing Boston’s reputation as a top sports city. "I look forward to building a program capable of contending for a championship every season."
Sparre, 38, brings extensive coaching experience, having coached the OHL’s Flint Firebirds and Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg. General manager Danielle Marmer highlighted his background in the AHL, where balancing immediate wins with player development is critical—a challenge that parallels the current needs of the Fleet.
With the team having finished 9-6-5-10 last season and missing the playoffs, Sparre faces the task of rebuilding following a major roster overhaul. The Fleet lost eight core players, including captain Hilary Knight, to expansion as the PWHL introduced two new teams in Seattle and Vancouver.
Marmer praised Sparre as a relationship-driven coach known for effective communication and trust-building with players. “He brings clarity and structure while fostering an environment for player success,” she noted.
As the Fleet look to regain competitive footing, Sparre’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating both player development and on-ice performance for the upcoming season.
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