Hockey Canada is a step closer to building its team for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Red Deer this summer.
The organization announced Tuesday the coaching staff that will be behind the bench to lead Team Canada.
Stephane Julien, who coaches the Sherbrooke Phoenix of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, has been named the head coach.
Meanwhile, Alan Letang, head coach of the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League will serve as an assistant coach as well as Kris Mallette, head coach of the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey league.
The goaltending coach will be Kelly Guard from the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL and video coach Raphaël-Pier Richer from Gatineau of the QMJHL.
“We are excited to announce the coaching and support staff that will lead our National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team through selection camp and at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup,” said Tyler Dietrich, senior manager of hockey operations with Hockey Canada in a media release.
“We know this group will use its CHL experience to help build and a lead a team that will represent Canada with pride and give us the best chance to win gold on home ice in Red Deer in August.”
Canada’s new bench boss has been head coach of the Phoenix in Quebec since 2016 and before that from 2012-16 was an assistant coach. He also was an assistant coach with Canada’s National Men’s U18 team at the 2017 IIHF World Championship. He was also a head coach of Team Canada Black at the Capital City Challenge in 2021.
Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team will hold their selection camp from July 20-23 at the Markin MacPhail Centre in Canada Olympic Park. The Hlinka Gretzky Cup will make its return to Canada in Red Deer at the Peavey Mart Centrium from July 31 to Aug. 6.