Kitchener Rangers head coach returns to Finland for personal matter
Posted Dec 9, 2024 06:57:37 AM.
Last Updated Dec 9, 2024 10:53:31 AM.
The Kitchener Rangers will be without one of the most important figures in the organization for the foreseeable future.
Rangers Head Coach Jussi Ahokas is heading back to his home country of Finland for an unknown period of time for a family medical matter.
The Finnish coach announced his departure after Friday’s game against the Soo Greyhounds.
The Kitchener Rangers organization has stated that they are fully behind Ahokas’ decision to step away from the team, and are asking that his privacy be respected at this time.
Ahokas is currently in his second season as the Rangers bench boss, and he’s impressed yet again, leading the Rangers to a 62-28-7 record since joining the team in 2023.
While he is away, Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager, Jeff Kyrzakos, and Assistant Coach, Brad Flynn, will step into the head coach role.
Kyrzakos has one season of experience as a head coach under his belt with the now-defunct Arizona Sundogs in the Central Hockey League. Flynn has had one stint as head coach during his 12-year career behind the bench, a two-season stretch in the North American Hockey League.
The Rangers will take the week off before hosting the Kingston Frontenacs at The Aud on Friday.
