Paul McFarland has been named head coach of the Calgary Hitmen

The Calgary Hitmen announced Thursday that Seattle Kraken assistant Paul McFarland will be their next head coach.

McFarland, 38, has half a decade of senior experience as an assistant coach, head coach and general manager in addition to six seasons as an NHL assistant coach with the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Kraken.

Prior to joining the Panthers, McFarland spent two years as an assistant coach with the OHL's Oshawa Generals and three seasons as the head coach of the Kingston Frontenacs.

“We are very excited to introduce Paul to the Hitmen and the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation,” Hitmen general manager Harry Davidson said in a media release.

“Paul brings significant experience and knowledge from his previous NHL and major minor positions,” added Davidson. “He will be a huge influence for our team both on and off the ice as we continue to grow and develop with the goal of a WHL and Memorial Cup championship.”

Before beginning his coaching career in 2012, McFarland played three seasons with the OHL's Kitchener Rangers, where he was part of the 2003 Memorial Cup winning team. He also played for the Windsor Spitfires before moving on to play three seasons for the Acadia Axeman, where he captained the men's hockey team.

The university's athletic department has established the Paul McFarland Captain's Community Award, which is given to a men's hockey player who demonstrates leadership in both the community and the classroom.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Calgary Hitmen and become a part of the Calgary community,” said McFarland. “I have heard nothing but great things about the people and players in the organization and I look forward to working together to take this program to the championship level.”

McFarland will be joined in Calgary by his wife Kelly and sons Cooper and Keaton.