Ryan Getzlaf joins Canada's world junior team as assistant coach
Getzlaf’s new coaching role
Ryan Getzlaf has been named an assistant coach for Canada‘s national junior team, set to compete at the upcoming World Junior Championship. The tournament is scheduled to take place in December and January in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta. Getzlaf will serve under head coach Misha Donskov, joining a coaching staff that also includes Drew Bannister, Brad Lauer, and Jim Hulton. Additionally, Dan De Palma has been appointed as the goaltending coach.
This marks Getzlaf’s first coaching position with the national team, following previous management roles with Hockey Canada at the senior level. His management experience includes involvement with the World Championship, Olympics, and the 4 Nations Face-Off. Getzlaf, who is from Regina, brings a wealth of playing experience to the team, having won two Olympic gold medals with Canada in 2010 and 2014. He also has a history with the World Junior Championship as a player, earning a silver medal in 2004 and a gold medal in 2005.
General Manager Alan Millar expressed confidence in the newly assembled coaching staff. Millar stated that each member, including Donskov, Bannister, Getzlaf, Hulton, Lauer, and De Palma, contributes a unique set of skills, perspectives, and extensive experience from professional, major junior, and international hockey. He believes this diverse expertise will foster an environment conducive to player success and allow the team to proudly represent Canada.
Experienced coaching staff assembled
The coaching team supporting Donskov includes individuals with significant experience in the Canadian hockey landscape. Drew Bannister is a head coach for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Brad Lauer is the head coach for the Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League (WHL), and Jim Hulton leads the Saint John Sea Dogs in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). These three leagues fall under the umbrella of the Canadian Hockey League, which is the country’s primary organization for major junior hockey.
The appointment of this coaching staff was officially announced by Hockey Canada, with the organization highlighting their commitment to player development and success on the international stage. The general manager emphasized that the group consists of experienced and accomplished leaders. This collective experience is expected to be beneficial as the team prepares for the upcoming tournament.
Notably, Lauer and Donskov previously worked together as part of the coaching staff that helped Canada secure a bronze medal at the 2026 World Juniors. This prior collaboration suggests a degree of familiarity and established working relationship within the coaching group.
Preparations for the tournament
The 2027 World Junior Championship is scheduled to run from December 26 to January 5. The tournament will be co-hosted by Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, bringing the prestigious event to Canadian ice once again. This event is a significant fixture in the international hockey calendar, showcasing top junior talent from around the world.
Canada’s national junior team will commence its preparations for the tournament at the World Junior Summer Showcase. This preparatory event is slated to take place from July 26 to August 1 in Windsor, Ontario. During the showcase, Canada will engage in competition against national junior teams from Finland, Sweden, and the United States. This series of games will provide an early opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate players and begin implementing their strategies.
The recent performance of Canada’s national teams has seen varied results. At this year’s World Championship, Canada finished in fourth place after experiencing a defeat to Norway in the bronze-medal game. The upcoming World Junior Championship represents another opportunity for Canada to compete for international honours.
The announcement of the coaching staff, including the addition of Getzlaf, was made in a release on a Monday. The focus for the team will now shift towards the summer showcase in Windsor, Ontario, which begins on July 26.
Source: sportsnet.ca
