The Colorado Avalanche announced Friday that Jussi Ahokas, 45, has been hired as head coach of their American Hockey League affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.
Proven junior success, new role in Denver
Ahokas takes over a program that has seen several recent coaching changes: he succeeds Mark Letestu, who left to join the Vegas Golden Knights as an assistant coach. Ahokas becomes the fourth head coach in the Eagles’ AHL era, joining Greg Cronin (2018–23), Aaron Schneekloth (2023–25) and Letestu (2025–26).
Most recently the head coach of the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers from 2023–24 through 2025–26, Ahokas presided over sustained success during his three-year tenure. The Rangers won at least 40 games each season under Ahokas, compiling a record of 135–52–13–4 in that span. The run culminated in both a 2025–26 Memorial Cup championship and a 2025–26 OHL championship.
“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,”
The Avalanche framed the hire as a continuation of their development pipeline, noting Ahokas’ familiarity with Avalanche prospects. Over the last two seasons Ahokas coached Avalanche prospect Christian Humphreys in Kitchener; Humphreys produced 118 points (38g/80a) in 91 games while playing for the Rangers.
What this means for the Eagles and local fans
For Colorado hockey supporters, the move signals a commitment to hiring coaches with a strong track record of developing young players and winning at lower levels. Ahokas brings a recent string of league recognitions and team achievements that the Avalanche organization likely viewed as assets for the AHL club’s dual mission: winning games in Colorado Springs (the Eagles’ primary market) and preparing prospects for NHL duty.
- Ahokas’ age: 45
- Kitchener Rangers record under Ahokas: 135–52–13–4
- Major recent honors: 2025–26 Memorial Cup and OHL championships
Ahokas also earned individual coaching honors during his OHL run. He was selected as a coach representative on the 2025–26 Second All-Star Team and won the Matt Leyden Trophy as coach of the year for 2024–25, alongside First Team All-Star coaching recognition that season.
| Coach | Years (AHL Eagles) |
|---|---|
| Greg Cronin | 2018–23 |
| Aaron Schneekloth | 2023–25 |
| Mark Letestu | 2025–26 |
| Jussi Ahokas | 2026– (announced) |
Ahokas’ body of work also features multiple Rangers who received league recognitions while he was coach: the 2025–26 OHL Most Outstanding Player Sam O’Reilly; and players such as Cameron Reid, Jackson Parsons, Hunter Brzustewicz and Tanner Lam receiving All-Star or All-Rookie nods in various seasons. Those player developments and accolades are part of the resume the Avalanche evaluated.
The Avalanche characterized the hire as a welcome addition to both the Avalanche and Eagles organizations. The Eagles will now look to integrate Ahokas’ coaching style with the club’s roster and Avalanche development priorities ahead of the upcoming AHL season.
Additional specifics about Ahokas’ contract terms, staff appointments and an introductory schedule with the Eagles were not included in the team’s announcement.
— Reporting from Denver.
