July 23, 2025, 11:32am
WELLSLEY, MA – The Boston Fleet hired Chris Sparle as the second head coach in the history of the PWHL franchise.
Sparre, a 38-year-old veteran assistant with no experience in the girls’ games, will replace Courtney Kessel, who made a 27-19-8 record and a Walter Cup final appearance before taking over to Princeton. Her departure leaves only two female head coaches among eight teams in the PWHL.
The Boston Fleet has a new head coach, former AHL player Chris Sparre, but there are major issues to overcome, including team leader Hilary Knight not being protected by the expanded draft and being sent to Seattle to play. David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire
“This is an incredible opportunity to join a league that has experienced incredible growth and momentum in recent seasons,” said Sparre, who has performed in junior hockey and Germany and coached the top leagues of OHL, AHL and Austria. “Boston stands as one of the world’s finest sports cities, and we look forward to building a program that can compete for a championship every season.”
Sulare, originally from the Toronto region, has advanced nine seasons in the minor leagues and Germany. He served as assistant coach for Red Bull Salzburg from 2019-21 before spending three seasons with the Anaheim Ducks AHL affiliate San Diego Gards.
Daniel Marmer, the general manager of the fleet, said Sparre’s experience in the AHL, where coaches need to balance victory and player development, was perfect for him.
“Our players need to grow and perform in real time, and Chris knows how to create that environment,” she said. “He is known as a relationship-led coach and elite communicator. He builds trust, connects with players, brings energy and purpose to the link every day.”
The fleet has eight players left from the roster that reached the final in the first season of the PWHL. However, they are replacing the 36-year-old captain and league MVP finalist Hillary Knight, who are not protected by the expanded draft and are moving to Seattle after a season in which they took the league’s lead with 29 points.
