RALEIGH — The Hurricanes fired Chicago Wolves coach Cam Abbott on Friday, naming assistant Spiros Anastas interim coach.
While the Wolves are in playoff position with an 11-7-3 record, there were concerns about the direction of the team under Abbott, which led to the move.
Abbott, after playing several seasons in Sweden, transitioned to coaching and led Rogle BK of the Swedish Hockey League for six seasons, including guiding the team to its first Champions League title in 2021-22.
He was hired by the Hurricanes to coach the Wolves ahead of the 2024-25 season, and Chicago reached the postseason but was swept in the best-of-three Central Division first round series by Rockford. He returned for this season, but the organization decided Friday it needed to go in a different direction.
Anastas also joined the Wolves before last season after coaching internationally and in both the AHL and ECHL. He won a Calder Cup as an assistant with Grand Rapids in 2013 and also twice served as a head coach in the ECHL. Anastas is expected to serve as Wolves’ coach for the rest of the season.
Abbott will remain with the organization in a different role. His twin brother, Chris, is the Hurricanes’ vice president of pro player personnel.
