Claude Julien will return to the bench as head coach of the Canadian men's hockey team at the Beijing Olympics, Hockey Canada announced Thursday.
UPDATE | Claude Julien will reassume head coaching duties for ’s Men’s Olympic Team following today’s game against Germany.
Jeremy Colliton will resume his role as an assistant coach.#TeamCanada | #Beijing2022 pic.twitter.com/pzhOg1xBvE— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) February 10, 2022
The announcement was made just before Canada's opener against Germany, where Jeremy Colliton will serve as head coach.
Julien will take the reins for the second game against the United States on Friday at 11:10 p.m. ET.
Hockey Canada said Julien would not be going to the Olympics on Jan. 30 after he sustained fractured ribs in a team-building activity during camp in Switzerland. The former Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins coach was advised not to travel to Beijing by Team Canada medical staff.
Colliton, who was to serve as head coach, will return to his assistant coach duties after the opener.
“Claude has remained in great spirits and has been supportive of our team since his injury, and we are excited that he has recovered quickly and will be able to rejoin us as we continue to work towards winning a gold medal for Canada,” said general manager Shane Doan. “We appreciate the leadership of Jeremy Colliton and his willingness to take over behind the bench, and to selflessly welcome Claude back as head coach. Our entire coaching staff has stepped up in Claude’s absence, and we are thrilled that he is healthy and able to return to Team Canada.”
