Boston Fleet Names Kris Sparre Second Head Coach

The Boston Fleet have appointed Kris Sparre as their new head coach ahead of the 2025-26 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season, replacing Courtney Kessel, who left to coach Princeton's women’s hockey team. Sparre, a 38-year-old Canadian, brings over nine years of coaching experience primarily in men’s leagues, including the AHL’s San Diego Gulls, the OHL, and Austria’s top professional league. Fleet General Manager Danielle Marmer emphasized Sparre’s strong communication skills, his ability to balance player development with winning, and his relationship-driven coaching style as key reasons for his hiring. The team faces a transition period after losing key players such as former captain and league points leader Hilary Knight, who moved to PWHL Seattle during the expansion draft. Sparre expressed enthusiasm about building a championship-contending program in Boston, a city known for its strong sports culture. His appointment comes at a time when the PWHL is experiencing significant growth, though only two of the league’s eight teams currently have female head coaches.