The Niagara IceDogs announced the hiring of Frank Evola as the franchise’s sixth General Manager in club history.
Evola joins the IceDogs following a successful nine-year tenure with the Windsor Spitfires, where he served as Director of Scouting and Hockey Operations. During his time in Windsor, he played a pivotal role in constructing a competitive roster that captured the Western Conference Championship in 2022.
Prior to his work in Windsor, Evola spent nine seasons with the Oshawa Generals organization. His tenure included two years as Director of Scouting and seven years as a Western Ontario Scout. In 2015, he was instrumental in building the Generals team that went on to win the OHL’s Robertson Cup, the Bobby Orr Trophy, and ultimately, the Memorial Cup Championship.
“I’d like to thank John and Stephen Savage, Brian Schwab, and Bill Bowler for their unwavering trust in me throughout my time in Windsor,” said Evola. “I wish them the absolute best in the future.”
Most in the hockey world feel Windsor is a stable franchise and he’ll try and bring that to Niagara.
The Spitfires offered an official thank you to Evola after his signing became official with the IceDogs.
The Windsor Spitfires formally announce that Frank Evola will be leaving his position to pursue an exciting new opportunity.
The Windsor Spitfires Hockey Club would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Frank Evola for his dedication over the past nine seasons as our Director of Scouting and Hockey Operations.
Frank has played an integral role in shaping the future of our team, identifying countless young talents, and contributing to the success of the Spitfires. His passion for the game, tireless work ethic, and commitment to the team have left a lasting impact on our organization.
We wish Frank all the best in his new position with the Ontario Hockey League’s Niagara IceDogs.
Looking ahead to his new role in Niagara, Evola added: “I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to both Darren and Michele DeDobbelaer for the opportunity in Niagara. I’m extremely happy and honoured to begin my time here and start our quest towards taking the organization to new heights.”
Evola takes over a team that made the playoffs for the first time since 2019 and should feature at least one freshly drafted player into the NHL as forward Ethan Czata is expected to hear his name called later this month at the draft in Los Angeles.
Fellow forward Ryan Roobroeck, who led the IceDogs in scoring last season with 87 points in just 64 games, is expected to be a top pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
Niagara lost three overage players in 2025 including starting goaltender Owen Flores.
Evola hopes to name his coaching staff within a couple of weeks.
Head Coach Ben Boudreau, and assistants Dan Paille and Marc Slawson were all relieved of their duties last month.
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
