Kitchener Rangers Name Alumnus Nick Spaling Assistant Coach
OHL Kitchener Rangers

Kitchener Rangers Name Alumnus Nick Spaling Assistant Coach

Published on August 6, 2026 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Kitchener Rangers News Release


KITCHENER, Ont. - The Kitchener Rangers announced today that alumnus Nick Spaling has been named Assistant Coach completing Jeff Kyrzakos' staff behind the bench for the 2026-27 season.

"Nick is a well-known and popular Rangers alum that understands the history and importance of what this team means to the community," said Mike McKenzie, General Manager of the Kitchener Rangers. "He has a wealth of knowledge from his OHL and NHL playing days that will help our players develop on and off the ice. He is coming off a championship season in Cambridge. We are thrilled to welcome back Nick to the Rangers."

Spaling returns to the organization after a standout playing career that included three seasons with the Kitchener Rangers, seven seasons in the National Hockey League, and two seasons in Switzerland's National League. A Palmerston, Ontario native, Spaling was selected by Kitchener in the sixth round of the 2005 OHL Priority Selection out of the Waterloo Wolves U16 AAA program before being drafted by the Nashville Predators in the second round, 58th overall, of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

"The opportunity to come back and be a part of an organization that has given me and means so much to me is beyond exciting," said Nick Spaling. "I'm looking forward to joining Jeff, Brad and the whole staff and the great culture they have created here and Can't wait to get started."

During his time in Kitchener, Spaling helped lead the Rangers to the 2008 OHL Championship and a berth in the Memorial Cup final. He recorded 156 points across three regular seasons with the club and added 30 points during the 2008 OHL Playoffs. He later appeared in 437 NHL games with Nashville, Pittsburgh, Toronto and San Jose. Spaling also spent time in Europe playing two seasons with Genève-Servette HC and represented Team Canada at the 2016-17 Spengler Cup Tournament.

"We're thrilled to add Nick to our staff," said Head Coach Jeff Kyrzakos. "His playing experience speaks for itself. Being local and an alum who understands our community is huge. He will bring so many elements that help our hockey club and we're looking forward to working with him every day."

Spaling joins the Rangers coaching staff after serving as an assistant coach with the Cambridge RedHawks in the GOHL where they crowned Sutherland Cup Champions. Spaling will lead the forward group while also taking responsibility over the power play.

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