The Wolves will have a new face behind the bench this season.
On Friday, the Wolves announced the hiring of R.J. Enga as an assistant coach. The 54-year-old joins second-year head coach Spiros Anastas as well as assistant coach Dan Price as part of the staff who will guide the team during the ’26-27 campaign. In addition, the Wolves hired Gehrig Sarosy as the team’s video coach.
“I’m really looking forward to being here in Chicago with obviously a great organization like the Wolves and Carolina (Hurricanes) while working with Spiros and the whole staff,” Enga said. “There’s a great group of players here and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”
Prior to joining the Wolves, Enga spent five seasons at St. Cloud State University’s Division I NCAA program, including the last four years as its assistant coach.
He also spent seven years (2014-21) as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Colorado College, including time with Wolves captain Josiah Slavin in 2020 and 2021.
“(Enga) is one of the few coaches that I’ve kept in contact with over the years,” Slavin said. “He has an abundance of hockey knowledge and is super easy to get along with. I think he is going to fit in with our team and our coaching staff right away. Me, personally, I’m excited that our paths are crossing again and excited for him for this new opportunity.”
Photo courtesy of St. Cloud St. University Athletics
Enga will run the Wolves’ defensive units and is enthused about what he has to work with come training camp later this month.
How does he plan to get the most out of each player?
“It’s definitely going to be something where we sit down, know what their strengths and weaknesses are going to be and help enhance what they’re good at and vice-versa so that they’re solid all the way through,” Enga said.
“These players are extremely talented and we want them to become the best version of themselves as a person and a player. Physically using their talents, but also making sure that they’re mentally ready and strong,” he added.
Enga is looking forward to overseeing the development of the team’s younger defensemen while still entrusting the veterans to log big minutes from the back end.
“As a coach, it’s great to be able to look down the bench and know you can trust these guys in certain situations, he said. “The young guys get to watch and can go out and emulate that.”
Returning to Chicago is a bit of a homecoming for Enga as he spent three seasons as an assistant coach and Director of Player Development with the Chicago Steel (USHL) from 2011-14.
He’s happy to be back in the Windy City and help the Wolves search for their sixth championship title.
“What’s great about Chicago is that it’s really just a great sports town,” Enga said. “The people get behind their teams and are totally invested.”
An added bonus is Chicago’s food scene.
“I love deep dish pizza so I’m going to have to double down on my workouts,” Enga said with a smile.
For ticket information for the Wolves’ 2026-27 season, call 1-800-THE-WOLVES or visit www.chicagowolves.com.
