Hockey Canada Announces Coaching Team for 2026 Olympics
Hockey Canada has confirmed that the complete coaching team, which led the national men’s hockey squad to victory at the recent 4 Nations Face-Off, will return for the upcoming 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. This announcement marks an exciting development for the Canadian team as they prepare for their first Winter Games featuring NHL players since 2014.
Coaching Roster
The coaching roster includes head coach Jon Cooper and his assistants—Bruce Cassidy, Pete DeBoer, Rick Tocchet, Misha Donskov, and Dave Alexander—all of whom bring substantial experience from the NHL.
Jon Cooper, who has guided the Tampa Bay Lightning to two Stanley Cup titles, is set to lead the team once more. Cassidy, who enjoyed a successful stint with the Vegas Golden Knights, including a championship win in the 2022-23 season, returns as an assistant. His fellow assistant, DeBoer, recently coached the Dallas Stars, achieving the Western Conference final six times in the past eight years with various teams before his dismissal in June.
Meanwhile, Tocchet, fresh off three seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, steps into his first season with the Philadelphia Flyers after winning the Jack Adams Award in 2023-24.
Additional Coaching Staff
Donskov recently became the vice president of hockey operations for Hockey Canada after two years coaching under DeBoer with the Stars and playing a role in the Golden Knights’ triumphant run to the Cup. Alexander, the goaltending consultant, has been the goaltending coach for the St. Louis Blues for nearly a decade, mentoring Jordan Binnington, who played a pivotal role in Canada’s recent gold medal win. Doug Armstrong, the general manager for the Olympic team, also holds the same position with the Blues, creating a strong connection between both teams.
Performance Analysis and Player Selection
The Canadian coaching staff also includes James Emery as the director of performance analysis and Elliott Mondou as the video coordinator. Their selection was coordinated by Cooper, Armstrong, and members of Hockey Canada management.
In preparation for the Olympic competition, Canada has already revealed its first six players—including stars like Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon—aiming to replicate their successful performance at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. However, the final rosters, consisting of 22 skaters and three goaltenders, must be finalized by the end of the year.
