A familiar face will be on Canada’s bench at this year’s world juniors.
Ryan Getzlaf was named an assistant coach for the tournament set to take place in December and January in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta.
Getzlaf will serve under head coach Misha Donskov alongside Drew Bannister, Brad Lauer and Jim Hulton. Dan De Palma was named goaltending coach.
“Misha, Drew, Ryan, Jim, Brad and Dan each bring a unique set of skills and perspectives, along with extensive experience at the professional, major junior and international levels. We are confident this staff will create an environment that allows our players to succeed and proudly represent Canada as we prepare for the world juniors,” general manager Alan Millar said in a statement.
Getzlaf, the 41-year-old from Regina, takes on his first national-team coaching role after previously serving in management for the world championship, Olympics and 4 Nations Face-Off at the senior level.
The longtime Anaheim Ducks captain won two Olympic gold medals as a player with Canada in 2010 and 2014. He also owns a pair of world junior medals, earning silver in 2004 and gold in 2005.
Bannister (Sault Ste. Marie, OHL), Lauer (Spokane, WHL) and Hulton (Saint John, QMJHL) are all head coaches in the Canadian Hockey League.