The Calgary Hitmen announced on Thursday that Paul McFarland, currently an assistant with the Seattle Kraken, will be their new head coach.
At 38, McFarland brings extensive experience from both major junior and the NHL. He has served as an assistant coach, head coach, and general manager in major junior hockey, and has spent six seasons as an assistant coach in the NHL with the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Kraken.
Before his time with the Panthers, McFarland was an assistant coach for two years with the Oshawa Generals of the OHL and then spent three seasons as head coach of the Kingston Frontenacs.
“We’re extremely excited to introduce Paul to the Hitmen and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation,” said Hitmen general manager Garry Davidson in a media statement. Davidson highlighted McFarland’s wealth of experience and his potential positive impact on the team, both on and off the ice, as they aim for a WHL and Memorial Cup Championship.
The Calgary Hitmen are proud to announce Paul McFarland as the 11th Head Coach in franchise history.
Details 📰 https://t.co/rL34Xp9VsC pic.twitter.com/NfUiJBXcvQ
— Calgary Hitmen (@WHLHitmen) May 23, 2024
McFarland’s coaching career began in 2012 after playing three seasons with the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, including a stint with the 2003 Memorial Cup-winning team. He also played for the Windsor Spitfires and three seasons with the Acadia Axemen, where he captained the men’s hockey team. In his honor, Acadia’s athletic department created the Paul McFarland Captain in the Community Award, recognizing leadership in both community and academics.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Calgary Hitmen and become a member of the Calgary community,” said McFarland. “I have 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 moving to Calgary with his wife Kelly and their sons Cooper and Keaton.