Boston Fleet announce coaching additions for 2025-26 PWHL season

The Boston Fleet announced Wednesday a number of additions to their coaching staff for the 2025-26 PWHL season.

Jordan LaVallée-Smotherman, Derek Whitmore and Kacey Bellamy will join new head coach Kris Sparre, who was hired by the club last July.

Bellamy, who was hired as a player development consultant, was a mainstay on the U.S. National Team, earning three Olympic medals (gold in 2018, silver in 2010 and 2014), as well as eight World Championship gold medals. She spent more than the last five years with Maples Crossing in Amesbury, Mass., serving as director of athletic development.

“The energy around the PWHL is inspiring, and being able to contribute to its growth here in Boston makes this role meaningful,” Bellamy said in a team statement. “What makes it even more special is the ability to keep moving forward with my incredible team at Maples Crossing, whose support has allowed me to take this opportunity. I’m looking forward to being a part of another great team and helping the Fleet chase a championship.”

Bellamy played 11 seasons professionally, winning three Clarkson Cup championships in the now-defunct CWHL. She also helped the Boston Pride win the inaugural PHF Isobel Cup title.

LaVallée-Smotherman, who will serve as an assistant coach, joins the team after coaching HC Innsbruck of the ICE Hockey League in Austria in 2024-25. Before then, he spent time in the ECHL with the Worcester Railers, serving as general manager and head coach for two seasons.

“Heading into the rink everyday with such amazing staff and having the chance to work with some of the best athletes in the world is an opportunity I am beyond grateful for,” LaVallée-Smotherman said. “I’m excited to bring my passion, energy and hockey knowledge to this team and help us achieve great things this season.”

As a player, LaVallée-Smotherman was taken in the fourth round by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, playing games in the NHL, AHL, Denmark, Sweden and the U.K.

Whitmore, who will be a player development coach, spent two years running Whitmore Hockey Development in Maine. He has also served as an assistant coach in the USHL for the Chicago Steel, as well as an assistant with Bowdoin College’s women’s team. He also played professionally in the NHL, AHL, Germany and Austria.

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