The Erie Otters have secured their leader behind the bench for years to come.
Courtesy of Erie Otters
General Manager Dave Brown announced Tuesday that Head Coach Kris Mallette has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the organization through the 2028-29 Ontario Hockey League season.
Mallette joined the Otters midway through the 2024-25 campaign after a lengthy coaching tenure with the Western Hockey League’s Kelowna Rockets. Arriving in Erie in February 2025, he quickly made an impact, helping guide the team to the second round of the OHL playoffs.
Since taking over, the Kelowna, British Columbia native has become a key figure in the Otters’ organization, helping establish a new culture while earning the support of players and fans alike. During the 2025-26 season, Mallette navigated a roster that experienced plenty of change, keeping the team competitive through an up-and-down campaign.
Mallette’s passionate style quickly resonated with the Erie fanbase. One of his most memorable early moments came during a heated matchup against the Peterborough Petes in March 2025. The incident became such a fan favorite that the organization later celebrated it with a Mallette bobblehead giveaway during a game against the Petes in November 2025.
The extension comes just days after another milestone in Mallette’s Erie career. On Sunday, October 25, he coached his 100th game behind the Otters’ bench, a number he will now continue to build on for several more seasons.
Mallette said remaining in Erie was important to both him and his family.
“I want to thank the Waters family and management for their continued belief in me,” Mallette said. “Staying here was a priority as Erie has become our home and the support from our fans since day one has been unmatched. We have built a strong foundation here and I’m fully committed to giving this team and city everything I’ve got. I’m excited to extend my time here and keep building something special.”
With the extension in place, the Otters will look to continue building on that foundation under Mallette’s leadership as the franchise eyes future success in the seasons ahead.