CALGARY — Mike Babcock will return as head coach of Canada’s Olympic hockey team.
He will have Ken Hitchcock, Lindy Ruff and Claude Julien as assistant coaches at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
Julien is the only newcomer from the staff that led Canada to a gold medal at the 2010 Games in Vancouver. The Boston Bruins coach replaces Jacques Lemaire.
Babcock coached the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup in 2008 and also led Team Canada to gold at the world championships in 2004.
He was behind the bench as Canada defeated the United States in overtime to win gold in Vancouver.
The announcement by Hockey Canada came days after an agreement was reached to have NHL players participate at the Sochi Games.
Canada opens the Games on Feb. 13 against Norway.