CALGARY – Canada’s general manager Steve Yzerman announced that Ken Hitchcock will be Canada’s head coach for the IIHF World Championship, May 2-18 in Quebec City and Halifax, Canada. Yzerman expects to name Hitchcock’s assistant coaches next week.
 
Hitchcock, is in his second season as head coach of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, is no stranger to international competition – the 2008 IIHF World Championship will mark his sixth appearance with Hockey Canada.
 
The Edmonton native served as an associate coach at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, and in the same role at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, winning the championship, the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, winning the gold medal, and the 2002 IIHF World Championship. He was also an assistant coach with Canada’s gold medal-winning junior national team at the 1988 IIHF World U20 Championship.
 
“We are extremely excited that Ken will join us as head coach for the 2008 IIHF World Championship,” said Yzerman. “Ken’s wealth of international experience should prove to be a tremendous asset to our team as we go forward towards what we hope will be a gold medal on home ice.”
 
“Getting to be a part of Hockey Canada is a great honour, especially anytime you get to work with a Canadian team on home ice, in front of Canadian fans,” said Hitchcock.
 
Hitchcock has a career record of 470-311-117 in 12 seasons as a National Hockey League head coach with the Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers and Dallas Stars, and won a Stanley Cup with Dallas in 1999.
 
Canada opens the World Championship on Friday, May 2, against Slovenia at the Halifax Metro Centre. All of Canada’s games will be broadcast live by TSN/RDS, the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada. Games will also be broadcast on The FAN radio network.


Photo: hockeycanada.ca