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For the past two seasons, the 52-year-old Hexol has worked as an assistant coach at Toronto’s Maple Leafs. For the past four seasons, he has led the Philadelphia Flyers.
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“It is an honor to be the first Kraken coach,” the team quotes the coach as saying. “I’m glad I can be part of this wonderful group. When I first saw the gaming arena, it took my breath away. I’m looking forward to seeing you on the field.”
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On July 21, the Seattle team will select their line-up from other clubs in the expansion draft, but two days later the Kraken will be the second choice in the draft for new players.
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Hexol and Flyers made it to the Stanley Cup twice, but failed to advance beyond the first round in 2016 and 2018. On December 17, 2018, after 31 games, he was fired.
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In 2019, Hexol and the Canadian national team won silver at the World Championships.
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Previously in his coaching career, Hexols led the National Association of Sports Colleges Association (NCAA) team at the University of North Dakota for 11 seasons, with which he was able to enter the playoffs each season. He also managed to reach the NCAA elimination tournament “Frozen Four” seven times with students.
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Hexol is only the third specialist to gain a coaching position in the world’s leading league without previous experience in the NHL. He has not been to the NHL as a player.
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Kraken will become the 32nd team in the NHL next season.
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