Rangers round out coaching staff ahead of 2023-24 season
Posted Aug 22, 2023 11:49:08 AM.
Last Updated Aug 22, 2023 12:36:02 PM.
The Kitchener Rangers have finalized the team’s coaching staff for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
Jussi Ahokas was named head coach back in July. Joining him behind the bench for the upcoming season will be Jeff Kyrzakos and Brad Flynn.
Kyrzakos will also serve as assistant general manager for the club. He spent the last seven years in Mississauga with the Steelheads in the same capacity.
“We are excited to welcome and add Jeff to our hockey staff,” said Kitchener Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie in a news release. “He has a wealth of knowledge and experience working in the OHL and developing players. He will be a big help and sounding board for Jussi as he transitions to a new country and league. Jeff has worn a number of different hats in Mississauga and has a number of different skills that will benefit our organization moving forward.”
Kyrzakos played a key role in ensuring the Steelheads had talent ready to be selected at the NHL level. Since 2016, 17 Steelheads players were selected to NHL clubs in the NHL Entry Draft.
“It’s an honour to work for an organization that has such a storied history with some terrific people working there that I’ve had relationships with for a while,” said Kyrzakos. “Going back to my playing days in Owen Sound, I’ve always loved playing at The Aud. Its my favorite building in the OHL. I know the fans are passionate in Kitchener and I’m looking forward to being there.”
Brad Flynn is coming to Kitchener with experience coaching in all three major junior hockey leagues in Canada. He most recently served as associate coach with the Saginaw Spirit in 2021-22. He was also an assistant coach with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League in 2018-21 as well as assistant coach with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2015-16.
“I am ecstatic to join such a great team and one of the most historic franchises is in the Canadian Hockey League,” said Flynn. “I feel privileged to be a part of this team. I’m really looking forward to meeting the staff and players and coaching in front of the best fan base in the league.”
The Rangers will open their training camp on Aug. 29. The first game of the 2023-24 regular season will be held Sep. 29 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
