Following a magical playoff run last spring, Spiros Anastas '10 prepares for his first full season at the helm of the Chicago Wolves. The former Lebanon Valley College men's ice hockey player and Assistant Coach guided the Wolves into the American Hockey League (AHL) postseason as the team's Interim Head Coach.

Anastas began his tenure with Chicago—the minor league affiliate of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes—as an Assistant Coach in 2024 and was named the team's Interim Head Coach in December 2025. Anastas excelled in this interim role, leading the team to second place in the Central Division. After guiding the Wolves to a playoff spot, the interim tag was removed ahead of the postseason. 

"Anytime people trust you with a big responsibility, it is a privilege," Anastas said. "I was honored to have been given the opportunity to take over the reins of the Chicago Wolves, but more importantly, to be trusted with the development of the top prospects of the Carolina Hurricanes. Personally, it meant a lot to me because of the years and sacrifices it has taken to get to this point."

Under the leadership of Anastas, Chicago won its first three postseason series to reach the Calder Cup Finals, which is the AHL's championship series.

"It was pretty surreal," Anastas said. "It was amazing to see what an underdog team could accomplish when driven by that love and care for each other and our process on a daily basis. I was very privileged to be at the helm for such an experience, and it definitely refined me as a coach and person."

While Anastas would love another incredible postseason run, his primary focus is their development.

"Getting these guys a step closer to their ultimate dream of playing in the NHL is the end goal," Anastas said. "Being a small part of someone fulfilling something they've thought about their entire lives is really special."

During his coaching journey, Anastas was the Head Coach of the Brampton Beast and the South Carolina Stingrays in the ECHL, and the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada. Additionally, he has coached internationally in South Korea, Estonia, Serbia, China, and Greece.

Before mentoring players as a coach, Anastas was a forward and defenseman for the Dutchmen, serving as a team captain for four seasons. He suffered a season-ending injury as a senior for LVC and was asked to become an Assistant Coach for the program. He completed that season on the staff and served as an Assistant Coach for the program during the 2010-11 campaign as well. 

"When I started coaching at LVC, I knew I had found my calling," Anastas said. "It helped that it was for a school, program, and a group of guys I really cared about. So, without a doubt, I owe a lot to LVC for not only inspiring me to become a coach, but for giving me the opportunity to do it and fall in love with it."

Anastas said that he is grateful for the everlasting friendships he made with his teammates as a student-athlete for the Dutchmen. He has been a part of his classmates' weddings and frequently catches up with former teammates who live in nearby cities when he is on the road. Anastas also expressed that the mentorship and encouragement of coaches, professors, and administrators at the College helped him become the person he is today.

Stay Connected
Be sure to follow @lvcathletics on Instagram, X, and Facebook for the most in-depth coverage of LVC Athletics.