Minor League Hockey News

Jussi Ahokas Named Colorado Eagles Head Coach

AHL Colorado Eagles July 17, 2026 - DENVER - The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today the organization has hired Jussi Ahokas as the head coach of the franchise's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Colorado Eagles Ahokas replaces Mark Letestu, who was hired by the Vegas Golden Knights as an assistant coach. Overall, Ahokas becomes the fourth head coach in the Eagles' AHL history, joining Greg Cronin (2018-23), Aaron Schneekloth (2023-25) and Letestu (2025-26). Cronin left the Eagles to become head coach of the Anaheim Ducks while Schne... Full Story

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Abbotsford Canucks Name Ryan Papaioannou Fourth Head Coach in Team History

AHL Abbotsford Canucks July 17, 2026 - Abbotsford Canucks General Manager Richard Seeley announced today that Ryan Papaioannou has been hired as the new Head Coach of the team. Papaioannou replaces Manny Malhotra following his promotion to Head Coach of the Vancouver Canucks on June 2. Papaioannou spent the 2025-26 season as Head Coach of the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers, former affiliate of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins and AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. In his first professional coaching season, he led Wheeling to an ECHL North Division title with a record... Full Story

Icemen Bolster Blue Line with the Return of Jed Pietila

ECHL Jacksonville Icemen July 17, 2026 - JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Jacksonville Icemen, proud ECHL Affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild and the AHL's Iowa Wild announced today that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Jed Pietila for the 2026-27 season. Jed Pietia, 27, returns to the Icemen after posting 13 points (3g, 10a) in 23 games played in Jacksonville in the second half of last season after being acquired from the Toledo Walleye in February. In two seasons with Toledo, Pietila collected 22 points (5g, 14a) and +8 rating. The 5-11, 190-pound defen... Full Story

Goatheads Add Lynden Breen to Inaugural Roster

ECHL New Mexico Goatheads July 17, 2026 - The New Mexico Goatheads continue building their inaugural roster with the addition of forward Lynden Breen for the 2026-27 ECHL season. Breen arrives in New Mexico after spending the 2025-26 season with the South Carolina Stingrays, where he appeared in 59 regular-season games and recorded 25 points (4 goals, 21 assists). "Lynden is a highly competitive player who has consistently produced offensively while earning the trust of his coaches in every situation," said Head Coach Zack Stortini. "He brings strong leadershi... Full Story

Minor League Hockey News

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Texas Stars defenseman Kyle Looft
Texas Stars defenseman Kyle Looft
(Rick Crossman)
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