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Ryan Papaioannou Named 21st Head Coach of Pittsburgh Penguins Affiliate
The ECHL's Wheeling Nailers have announced that Ryan Papaioannou has been named team head coach, making him the 21st one in their history.
Ryan Papaioannou has been named the head coach of the Wheeling Nailers, Penguins President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas announced today.
The search, which took place over six weeks, was led by Penguins representatives Jason Spezza, Amanda Kessel, and Lucas Malloy, along with Wheeling Nailers President & Governor Brian Komorowski.
"Adding Ryan to the organization as the head coach of the Wheeling Nailers is a pivotal hire for the Penguins and our development system," said Penguins Assistant General Manager Jason Spezza. "Ryan has consistently delivered winning results, including multiple championships during his 16 years as head coach and general manager of the Brooks Bandits. Additionally, he has a long track record of developing elite players, helping them to reach their potential, and contributing to a winning program. In the coming years, the number of young draft picks and free agents we will have entering pro hockey with our organization will be immense. As a result this hire was of tremendous importance to the Penguins and we are thrilled to get to work with Ryan."
The native Calgarian is the 21st head coach in Nailers' history. Ryan Papaioannou, 41, comes to the Nailers from the Brooks Bandits, where he spent 17 seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (2008-24) and British Columbia Hockey League (2024-25).
He started as an assistant coach in 2008-09 before taking on the role as general manager and head coach for 16 years.
In his tenure, the Bandits captured nine league titles, including their first BCHL title last year, and four Junior A National Championships (2013, '19, '22, '23).
Papaioannou was named Coach of the Year on 3 Occasions
Papaioannou was named Coach of the Year in 2013, 2019, and 2022. His squad had numerous NHL draft selections and over 150 NCAA graduates, such as Stanley Cup Champion and two-time Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar.
Papaioannou will be leading a staff with the return of assistant coach Mitch Giguere and goaltending coach Karel Popper. The full Nailers coaching staff will be announced before the 2025-26 Pittsburgh Penguins training camp.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 14 | 19 ANSWERS Ryan Papaioannou Named 21st Head Coach of Pittsburgh Penguins Affiliate Will Ryan Papaioannou have success as head coach of the Wheeling Nailers? | ||
| Yes | 16 | 84.2 % |
| No | 3 | 15.8 % |
| List of polls | ||