Team North America filled out its coaching staff Friday as the NHL and NHLPA announced the appointment of its assistant coaches for the upcoming 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
NHL head coaches Jon Cooper (Tampa Bay Lightning), Peter DeBoer (San Jose Sharks) and Dave Tippett (Arizona Coyotes) and Edmonton Oilers assistant Jay Woodcroft will serve as assistant coaches to head bench boss Todd McLellan (Oilers).
“We are excited to announce Team North America’s assistant coaches for the World Cup of Hockey 2016,” Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli, who is serving as Team North America’s GM, said in a press release. “Jon, Peter, Dave and Jay are great additions to our staff and their tremendous experience will go a long way in helping our young players have a successful tournament.”
Cooper brings with him plenty of experience coaching young players. He led the youth-filled Lightning to the Stanley Cup Final in 2015, and also brought the team to the playoffs the year prior — his first full season with the club. Before breaking into the NHL, Cooper coached in the AHL, USHL and NAHL.
DeBoer has been a head coach in the NHL for seven years, split up between the Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils and now the Sharks. DeBoer led the Devils to the Cup final in 2012 on his way to becoming the second-most winningest coach in the club’s history. He also has 13 years of coaching experience with the Ontario Hockey League and has been named assistant coach for the Team Canada at the World Championship four times and at the World Junior Championship twice.
Coyotes coach and 2010 Jack Adams Trophy recipient Tippett has twelve years of head coach experience, having also served behind the bench of the Dallas Stars. His career includes eight trips to the playoffs and four 100-point seasons.
Woodcroft has worked alongside head coach McLellan for the last seven seasons, and joined him with the Oilers prior to this season.
