Hockey Canada announced on Monday the full coaching staff for Canada’s 2027 World Junior team, which includes former NHL star Ryan Getzlaf.
Led by head coach Misha Donskov, Getzlaf is one of four assistant coaches along with Drew Bannister, Jim Hulton and Brad Lauer as well as goaltending coach Dan De Palma.
Donskov was previously announced as the Canadian head coach on April 30.
He made his head coaching debut at the IIHF World Championship with the men’s senior team, helping Canada to a fourth-place finish. Donskov is also set to coach the 2027 men’s Worlds team.
This will be Getzlaf’s international coaching debut. A veteran of 1,157 career NHL games, the former Anaheim Ducks captain captured gold medals for his country at the 2005 World Juniors, 2010 and 2014 Olympics and 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
“We are excited to officially announce our coaching staff for Canada’s National Junior Team and bring together a group of experienced, accomplished leaders who are deeply committed to player development and winning on the international stage,” said Alan Millar, general manager of Canada’s National Junior Team. “Misha, Drew, Ryan, Jim, Brad and Dan each bring a unique set of skills and perspectives, along with extensive experience at the professional, Major Junior and international levels. We are confident this staff will create an environment that allows our players to succeed and proudly represent Canada as we prepare for the World Juniors.”
Bannister (Soo Greyhounds), Lauer (Spokane Chiefs) and Hulton (Saint John Sea Dogs) are currently head coaches in the Canadian Hockey League while De Palma is the goaltending coach with the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, where he has spent 17 seasons.
Canada won bronze at the 2026 World Juniors after finishing in fifth place the previous two years.
The 2027 tournament will take place from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta.
