Jussi Ahokas leaving Kitchener Rangers to coach Colorado Eagles
Posted Jul 17, 2026 03:04:40 PM.
Last Updated Jul 17, 2026 03:48:20 PM.
The Kitchener Rangers will have a new head coach this season as Jussi Ahokas is headed to Colorado.
The team announced Friday that Ahokas is leaving the organization to be the head coach with the Colorado Eagles, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche.
Ahokas is departing on a historic high note after the Rangers’ incredible run that saw them capture the OHL Championship and Memorial Cup.
In a release, Kitchener Rangers Chief Operating Officer and Governor Joe Birch congratulated Ahokas on his new role.
“During his time in Kitchener, he helped elevate our organization to new heights, culminating in a Memorial Cup championship while leaving a lasting impact on our players, staff, and community,” Birch wrote. “We are incredibly proud of everything he accomplished with the Rangers and wish Jussi and his family continued success in this well-deserved next chapter.”
Ahokas was named OHL Coach of the Year in 2024-25 and received the Matt Leyden trophy; the third head coach in Rangers’ history to receive the honour.
In a statement, Ahokas thanked the Kitchener Rangers organization.
“What I will remember in Kitchener is the great people, great organization. I can’t be more happy that I made the choice to come to Kitchener. I got to work with unbelievable staff, unbelievable organization, and we got our goal which was to win and we got it done,” Ahokas said. “That’s why I wanted to move on because kind of we did what I came here to do and all-in-all I can’t thank more Kitchener, the city, the fans, and the whole community. It has been great three years for me and I will never forget it.”
The Kitchener Rangers regular season for 2026-27 starts at home at The Aud against the Owen Sound Attack on Sept. 18.
