PCZ Spartans Name Tom Coolen as Head Coach Bringing Unrivaled Experience To EUCHL Ranks

Prague February 21, 2026 — The PCZ Spartans are pleased to announce the appointment of veteran ice hockey coach Tom Coolen as the organization’s new Head Coach. With a distinguished coaching career spanning more than three decades across North America and Europe, Coolen brings unparalleled experience and leadership to the Spartans’ bench.

Coolen’s coaching résumé reflects success at multiple levels of the sport. A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, he is a two-time CIS Coach of the Year and three-time Atlantic University Sport Coach of the Year, having led university programs to multiple conference championships and national titles early in his career. He guided Acadia University to its first ever CIAU national championship and later contributed to additional championships at the University of New Brunswick.

On the international stage, Coolen has served in elite roles, including assistant coach for the Latvian national team, where he helped guide the squad at the 2014 Winter Olympics and multiple IIHF World Championships. He also served as an assistant coach with the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League, further enhancing his profile at the highest level of the sport.

In addition to his university and international accomplishments, Coolen has coached professional teams across Europe, including stints in Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Austria, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. His diverse background and proven ability to develop players and compete at a high level underscore his readiness to lead the Spartans as they pursue success in the upcoming season.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tom Coolen to the PCZ Spartans,” said Hockey Director Neil Liston. “His decades of coaching experience, international perspective, and track record of building competitive programs make him an ideal leader for our team. Coach Coolen’s commitment to excellence both on and off the ice aligns perfectly with our organization’s vision.”

Coolen added, “I’m excited for the opportunity to lead the PCZ Spartans. This is a dynamic group with tremendous potential, and I look forward to helping our players grow individually and collectively as a team.”

The Spartans and Coach Coolen will begin preparations immediately as they look toward the 2026–2027 season