Calgary Hitmen name Dustin Friesen head coach

Dustin Friesen was named head coach of the Calgary Hitmen Friday.

The Calgary Hitmen hired Dustin Friesen as their next head coach Friday.

The Western Hockey League (WHL) club made the announcement in a media release.

They also named Brad Moran and Dakota Krebs assistant coaches.

“We are excited to welcome Dustin as our new head coach,” said Hitmen general manager Garry Davidson. “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.”

Moncton

Friesen comes from the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he helped lead the team to a QMJHL championship and a trip to the Memorial Cup.

Prior to that, Friesen coached the Prairie Hockey Academy’s U18 team from 2021 to 2024, and contributed to the Moose Jaw Warriors during the 2023-24 season when the Warriors won the WHL championship.

Moran has spent the seven years with the Calgary Canucks, including six as head coach and general manager, helping guide the club to two AJHL championships and a Centennial Cup championship in 2025.

Moran is also the Hitmen’s all-time leader in games played (357), goals, assists and points -- 450, including 204 goals and 246 assists -- during five seasons with the club from 1995 to 2000.

Krebs returns to the staff after spending last season as video coach. Prior to that, Krebs spent four years with the University of Calgary Dinos men’s hockey program, serving as assistant captain for two seasons.

Other returning coaches include goaltending coach Theodore Zubot and strength and conditioning coach Sean Hope-Ross.