Abbotsford Canucks name Ryan Papaioannou as head coach

The Abbotsford Canucks have a new bench boss. The Vancouver Canucks' AHL affiliate named Ryan Papaioannou as the new head coach on Friday, ending the search for Manny Malhotra's replacement.

The Abbotsford Canucks have a new bench boss. The Vancouver Canucks' AHL affiliate named Ryan Papaioannou as the new head coach on Friday, ending the search for Manny Malhotra's replacement. Malhotra was promoted to head coach of the NHL club on June 1.

“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,” Richard Seeley, Canucks' assistant general manager and general manager of Abbotsford, said in a statement released by the team. “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.” The 42-year-old was the head coach of the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers for the 2025-26 season — his first season coaching professionally — where he led the team to a 46-20-3-3 record and a North Division regular-season title. Prior to that, he spent 16 years in the AJHL as head coach and general manager of the Brooks Bandits, accumulating three AJHL titles, one BCHL title and one AJHL coach of the year award.