Colton Orr Gets Two Year Extension From Whale

The Connecticut Whale have re-upped former NHL player Colton Orr, handing their head coach a two-year contract extension.

The PHF's Connecticut Whale have extended head coach Colton Orr, handing him a two year contract through the 2024-2025 season.

Orr is set to enter his fifth season behind the bench with the Whale. In 2022, he led the Whale to their first ever regular season title and Isobel Cup appearance.

“I'm genuinely grateful to have my contract extended with the Connecticut Whale,” said Orr in a Whale news release. 

Prior to coaching, Colton Orr played 477 games in the NHL, primarily with the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Known as an enforcer, Orr finished his NHL career with 1186 penalty minutes.

"Coach Orr is a top-notch coach and the structure, culture, and professionalism he brings to the rink sets the tone for our organization on the ice,” said Whale owner Tobin Kelly. 

“Knowing that [Coach Orr] will be on board for our next two years of growth ensures that our players will get the best coaching and be able to develop their skills and their ability to be full-time hockey players. “As a player, Colton was dedicated, hard-working and focused on putting in the work necessary to be the best he could be every day. He brings that same dedication and work ethic to the Whale and to our quest to bring a Cup to Connecticut."

Orr is not the only former NHL player coaching in the PHF, as Boston Pride head coach Paul Mara played 734 games in the league.

Not only has Orr been integral in turning the Whale into a winning club, he's also been central in attracting and retaining top talent including former PHF MPV Kennedy Marchment, as well as stars Allie Munroe, and Taylor Girard.

This past season, the Connecticut Whale finished third in PHF regular season standings with a 14-8-2 record. In the playoffs, Connecticut was eliminated by the eventual Isobel Cup champion Toronto Six.