Memorial Cup-winning coach Ahokas tabbed new bench boss for AHL’s Eagles

The Colorado Avalanche have hired Jussi Ahokas as head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.

Ahokas joins the Eagles after three seasons as head coach of the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers, a tenure that culminated in a Memorial Cup championship in 2025-26. Ahokas was also named the OHL’s coach of the year in 2024-25.

“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 Avalanche assistant GM and Eagles GM Kevin McDonald. “His track record of winning games in a variety of leagues and international tournaments is impressive, and he’ll be a great fit for our team in Loveland.” 

Taking over for Mark Letestu, who was hired by the Vegas Golden Knights as an assistant coach, 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 Schneekloth left to become assistant coach with the Seattle Kraken.

Ahokas was one of the most decorated coaches in European pro hockey during his 20 years behind the bench in his native Finland. He coached the Finnish junior teams for 15 seasons, including seven years as a national team head coach at the U-16 through U-20 levels. Ahokas helped Finland capture gold medals at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2016 IIHF World U-18 Championship.

Ahokas also spent four seasons in Finland’s top professional league as head coach of KooKoo (2019-21) and TPS (2021-23), earning league coach of the year honors in 2019-20.

Photo/Natalie Shaver/OHL Images