Calgary Hitmen welcome new head coach
Posted Jul 25, 2025 12:25 pm.
Last Updated Jul 25, 2025 12:31 pm.
The head coach search is over for the Calgary Hitmen.
Dustin Friesen takes over the bench after Paul McFarland took a gig with the Edmonton Oilers this offseason.
Friesen joins Calgary after serving as an associate coach with the Moncton Wildcats, helping the team to the QMJHL Championship and playing in the Memorial Cup.
“We are excited to welcome Dustin as our new head coach,” general manager Garry Davidson shared in a release. “He is a proven winner at every level in his playing career and has had a direct impact on championship teams in the past two seasons.
“He has a passion to develop players and to create a strong culture. We know he will lead and guide our team and build on our progression and success from last season.”
Two familiar faces are part of the new coaching staff: former Hitmen Brad Moran and Dakota Krebs. A look at the Saddledome rafters shows Moran’s No. 20, the only jersey retired by the junior club. He also remains Calgary’s all-time franchise leader in games played.
Krebs, meanwhile, played for the Hitmen from 2018 to 2020.
Their season opens Friday, Sept. 19 in Lethbridge.
