The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Apr. 21 that Spiros Anastas has been named head coach of the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves, according to Darren Yorke, Associate General Manager of the Hurricanes and General Manager of the Wolves.
The appointment comes as the Wolves prepare for the Central Division Semifinals in the upcoming Calder Cup playoffs. Yorke said, “Since taking the reins in December, Spiros has proven that he is a capable leader for our top developmental team in Chicago. His communication style has resonated with our young players and we look forward to watching the Wolves push for a Calder Cup this spring.”
Anastas joined the Wolves’ coaching staff in August 2024 and was promoted to interim head coach on Dec. 12, 2025. Under his leadership, the team recorded a 25-14-5-6 mark over their final 50 games and finished second in their division. The Wolves will face off against the Texas Stars beginning April 28.
Before joining Chicago, Anastas held coaching roles internationally with Greece and China and served as a scout for Manitoba Moose in the AHL. He also gained experience leading teams such as Brampton Beast and South Carolina Stingrays in ECHL play, coached at University of Lethbridge in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), and worked with national teams from Serbia, Estonia, and South Korea. He won an AHL championship as assistant coach with Grand Rapids Griffins in 2013.
The Carolina Hurricanes play home games at Lenovo Center Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina—a venue that features more than 700,000 square feet across multiple seating levels with suites and concession stands according to its official website. The arena can accommodate up to 20,000 people and hosts over 150 events each year according to its official website.
The franchise’s impact extends beyond hockey; it contributes more than $200 million annually to Raleigh’s local economy through events and community engagement according to its official website. The organization also honors past achievements by inducting notable players like Eric Staal into its Hall of Fame according to its official website, which commemorates milestones such as winning the Stanley Cup championship in 2006 according to its official website.
As Anastas prepares for his first playoff run as head coach of Chicago’s top affiliate team under Carolina’s system, fans await how his leadership will shape postseason results.
