The Kitchener Rangers have announced several changes to their hockey operations department as they prepare for the 2026-27 season. These adjustments include new roles for familiar personnel within the organization.
Michael Zsolt has been appointed Associate General Manager. He initially joined the Rangers in 2017 as the Director of Analytics. Prior to his new role, Zsolt served as Assistant General Manager for the past five seasons. His responsibilities will continue to encompass various aspects of hockey operations, such as scouting, team management, player recruiting, and player development. He will also maintain oversight of the team’s analytics program, which is closely integrated into all operational areas.
Before his tenure with the Rangers, Zsolt worked as an analytics consultant for the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds during the 2016-2017 season and completed project work for an NHL team. He brings over a decade of professional experience, having previously worked in private equity investing and business strategy consulting after graduating from the Ivey Business School at Western University. Zsolt has also supported the development of others on the Rangers‘ analytics team, with multiple individuals moving on to secure opportunities in professional sports across the NHL, MLB, and NBA.
Coaching Staff Adjustments
Brad Flynn has been promoted from Assistant Coach to Associate Coach. This move follows the vacancy created by Jeff Kyrzakos, who was recently named the team’s new Head Coach. Flynn will continue to lead the defensive core and manage penalty-killing duties for the team. Under Flynn, the Kitchener Rangers have consistently finished high in the OHL for penalty kill percentage, always achieving a clip above 80 per cent. During the 2025-26 season, the team finished second in the OHL with an 81.1 per cent penalty kill percentage and led the Canadian Hockey League with 19 shorthanded goals.
Flynn, who is 41, joined Kitchener with extensive coaching experience across all three leagues in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). His most recent position before joining the Rangers was as Associate Coach with the Saginaw Spirit in 2021-22. He also spent three seasons as Assistant Coach with the Red Deer Rebels (2018-21) of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and one season as Assistant Coach with the Acadie–Bathurst Titan (2015-16) of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
Flynn has been instrumental in player development, working with over 20 current National Hockey League (NHL) players, including two first-round draft picks: Alexander Alexeyev (2018 round 1, 31st overall by Washington Capitals) and Pavel Mintyukov (2022 round 1, 10th overall by Anaheim Ducks).
In addition to these promotions, Brandon Merli will take on expanded responsibilities under the new title of Director of Sports Science and Player Development. This marks his 25th season with the Kitchener Rangers, having spent four seasons as a player and 21 in the front office. Merli is responsible for all aspects of player fitness, including strength training, conditioning, and nutrition. He will also oversee additional on-ice training throughout the season. His experience includes working with a diverse range of clients, from fitness beginners to professional athletes.
Recent Coaching Additions
Earlier this week, the Rangers also announced new additions to Jeff Kyrzakos’ coaching staff for the 2026-27 season. Nick Spaling has been named Assistant Coach, and Jake Paterson will serve as Goalie and Video Coach. These appointments complete the coaching lineup for the upcoming season.
The Kitchener Rangers are preparing for the 2026-27 season following their recent victories in the OHL Championship and the Memorial Cup last season.
Source: kitchener.citynews.ca
