Kris Sparre has been named the first head coach of Hamilton's PWHL franchise, leaving his position with the Boston Fleet after just one season. The 2026 coach of the year finalist guided Boston to a 62-point season, marking an 18-point improvement from the previous campaign before their semifinal exit to Ottawa.

Sparre's coaching resume includes stops in the Ontario Hockey League, Austria's top professional league, and the American Hockey League. Before transitioning behind the bench, he played professionally for nine seasons as a forward, including time in the ECHL and Germany's elite league. His departure represents a significant loss for Boston, where he helped establish the Fleet as a competitive force in the league's second season.

Hamilton general manager Meghan Duggan praised Sparre's combination of hockey knowledge, leadership, and player development expertise. She emphasized finding someone who aligns with her core values to establish culture and standards for the expansion franchise. This hiring marks Hamilton's first major roster-building move ahead of their inaugural season.

Hamilton joins Detroit, Las Vegas, and San Jose as the league expands from eight to twelve teams next season. Sparre's experience and proven track record make him a strong candidate to build a competitive foundation for the new franchise.