Pittsburgh Penguins Announce Coaching Staffs for AHL and ECHL Affiliates
The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced the coaching staffs for their American Hockey League (AHL) and ECHL affiliates, setting the stage for the 2026-27 season. Key leadership roles remain intact while several new additions bolster both teams' support systems.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Coaching Staff
Kirk MacDonald will return for his third season as head coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Last season, MacDonald led the team to a remarkable 46-17-7-2 record and their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2014. His tenure has been marked by success, compiling an impressive 86-41-14-3 record and a .656 points percentage. Brad Malone and Nick Luukko will continue as MacDonald's assistants; Malone enters his second season, while Luukko begins his third.
The Penguins also promoted Evan McFeeters and Karel Popper from their ECHL staff in Wheeling. McFeeters will focus on player development as an assistant coach, and Popper will assume the role of goaltending coach. Ryan Lennon joins as the team's video coach, bringing experience from the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League.
Several changes are also occurring within the WBS support staff. David Roper and Dan Resavy have been promoted to head equipment manager and head athletic trainer, respectively. Eddie Duffy and Morgan Payne will join Roper on the equipment staff, and Connor Keenan returns for his fourth season as strength and conditioning coach. Cédrik Cabana was hired as manager of team services, previously working with the Victoriaville Tigres of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.
Florida Everblades Coaching Staff
In Florida, Brad Ralph will return for his 11th season as head coach and general manager of the Everblades, the organization's newest affiliate. Ralph has a proven track record of success, leading the Everblades to their fourth Kelly Cup championship in the past five seasons, including titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Since taking over in 2016-17, he has guided the Everblades to five Kelly Cup Final appearances, five regular-season conference championships, and five division titles.
Kyle Mountain will return for his second season as Florida's assistant coach. Anthony Butrico is joining the staff full-time as goaltending coach and development coach after serving in a part-time role last season. John Sellers will return as head equipment manager, and Nicholas Bufinsky will serve as head athletic trainer. Miranda Hartlieb and Mike Carey will handle strength and conditioning duties.