The Abbotsford Canucks have hired Ryan Papaioannou as the fourth head coach in franchise history.
The AHL club made the announcement on Friday (July 17) afternoon.
A new chapter begins!
Welcome Ryan Papaioannou as the new Head Coach of the Abbotsford Canucks! #ProudlyAbbotsford pic.twitter.com/JyyaexJYJP
— Abbotsford Canucks (@abbycanucks) July 17, 2026
The 42-year-old spent last season as the head coach of the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers and guided that team to a regular season record of 46-20-6. The Nailers advanced to the ECHL conference finals, but were eliminated by the Florida Everblades 4-1 in that round. His 46 wins were the most for the franchise since 2003-04 and it was the first time the team had appeared in the third round since 2015-16.
“We are very excited to welcome Ryan to the Canucks, as we know this hire will help shape the foundation for the development of our prospects in Abbotsford,” stated Abbotsford Canucks general manager Richard Seeley. “Ryan has a unique talent for teaching and relating with players. His preparation both technically and tactically has led him to outstanding accomplishments at the junior level, as well as an impressive first season in the ECHL. His reputation as a communicator and someone who holds individuals and teams to high standards are the exact qualities we are looking for in the leader of our team.”
Papaioannou had an outstanding run as general manager and head coach of the Brooks Bandits, who competed in both the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the British Columbia Hockey League during his time there. He captured AJHL championships in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023. He also won the BCHL championship in 2025. Papaioannou was named the AJHL coach of the year in 2013, 2019 and 2022. The Bandits also earned the RBC Cup in 2013, the Western Canada Cup in 2016 and the Centennial Cup in 2019, 2022 and 2023.
Under his watch, the Bandits had a top record of 57-3-0 in 2018-19, but Brooks also went 51-5-4 in 2016-17, 53-5-2 in 2022-23 and 52-6 in 2021-22. His total record as a junior coach was 714-152-51 and the team posted 50 wins or more six times.
Papaioannou helped develop future Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar and NHL-er Jeff Malott while serving as the bench boss at Brooks. He also coached Canucks prospect Aiden Celebrini and Avalanche prospect Taylor Makar.
Papaioannou was a goalie and played both in the WHL with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Seattle Thunderbirds and Calgary Hitmen, with the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats and the AJHL’s Calgary Canucks. He will make his debut behind the bench when Abbotsford opens the AHL regular season against the Calgary Wranglers in Alberta on Oct. 2. His home debut will be against the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Oct. 17.