Kitchener Rangers announce departure of their head coach

Kitchener Rangers Head Coach Jussi Ahokas is seen in this undated photo. (Courtesy: Kitchener Rangers on Twitter)

The Memorial Cup champions are losing their head coach.

The Kitchener Rangers announced on Friday that Jussi Ahokas was leaving the organization – and the OHL – for the American Hockey League.

The team said Ahokas has been named head coach of the Colorado Eagles, the affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche.

“Ahokas departs Kitchener following one of the most successful three-year stretches in Rangers’ history,” the team said in a media release. “Since being named the 25th head coach in franchise history in July 2023, [he] guided the club to a combined regular-season record of 135-52-13-4, including three straight 40-win seasons and consecutive 100-point campaigns for the first time in franchise history.”

The organization said Ahokas will be missed.

“This opportunity is a testament to Jussi’s outstanding leadership, exceptional hockey mind, and unwavering commitment to player development,” said Joe Birch, the Rangers governor and COO. “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. 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 thanked the Rangers organization and staff, as well as the fans.

Ahokas led the Rangers to a Memorial Cup win this spring, making him the first European coach to ever win the trophy and an OHL Championship. He was also named the OHL’s Coach of the Year in 2025.

“Jussi has done a great job with every team and every league he’s been a part of as a head coach, and we’re excited to welcome him into the Avalanche and Eagles family,” said Kevin McDonald, the assistant general manage of the Avalanche and general manager of the Eagles, in a media release from the teams. “His track record of winning games in a variety of leagues and international tournaments is impressive, and he’ll be a great fit for out team in Loveland.”

Before coming to Canada, Ahokas was a head coach with Liiga, Finland’s top pro league. He was named Coach of the Year in 2020

Ahokas also led his country to a gold medal finish at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championships.