Photo: Rachel Lily Abramson
Ryan Papaioannou Hired as the new head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks.
Papaioannou replaced Manny MalhotraWas appointed head coach in Vancouver on June 2.
Papaioannou, 42, completed his first coaching season in the professional ranks in 2025-26, leading the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers to a division title and a berth in the conference finals.
Prior to joining Wheeling, Papaioannou spent 16 seasons as head coach and general manager of the Junior “A” Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League and British Columbia Hockey League. Under his leadership, the Bandits won eight league championships and four national championships. The Calgary native compiled a 907-217-48 record under Brooks, had at least 50 wins in a season six times and was named Coach of the Year three times.
