The Kingston Frontenacs have hired Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach Paul McFarland as their new head coach. McFarland will begin his duties with the Frontenacs at the conclusion of the 2019-20 NHL season.
McFarland was previously the head coach of the Frontenacs before he embarked on his career as an NHL assistant.
“I want to thank Kyle, Sheldon, and the entire Maple Leafs organization for their professionalism and support through this process, as well as the opportunity and experience, offered to me as part of the hockey club this past season,” said Paul McFarland. “Ultimately, I made this decision for my own development as a head coach and I am honored and excited about the opportunity to help develop an exciting group of young players in Kingston. I still remain 100 percent committed to the Maple Leafs organization, its staff and the players for the remainder of the 2019-20 NHL season and Stanley Cup playoffs.”
after spending the previous two seasons as an assistant coach with the Florida Panthers. He spent three seasons (2014-17) as head coach of the Frontenacs prior to joining the Panthers.
“Paul has been a great member of our staff and I look forward to continuing our work together through to the conclusion of the 2019-20 season,” said Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe. “Normally this type of move would be done during the off-season, but given that these are far from normal circumstances, we are in full support of Paul’s desire to pursue this position in Kingston and gain more experience as a head coach.”