San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McLellan will be coaching Canada at the men’s World Championships in May.

Hockey Canada announced the move Tuesday morning.

After the Sharks failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2002-03, McLellan will be available to lead the team in the Czech Republic. The former fifth round pick of the New York Islanders has guided the Sharks to three division titles in his seven seasons as head coach, and was also an assistant coach with Canada when they won bronze at the 2000 World Junior Hockey Championships in Sweden.

Behind the Canadian bench, the 47-year-old will be assisted by Peter DeBoer, Bill Peters and Jay Woodcroft. Jim Nill, the Canadian general manager, explained his excitement of the appointment and the experience his head coach will bring to the table. “This is a coaching staff with extensive experience in the NHL and knowledge of the international game, as well.”

“As a management group we are excited to work with this staff and look forward to building a roster and representing Canada in the Czech Republic next month.”

Nill, GM of the Dallas Stars, has a connection to McLellan from their time together with the Detroit Red Wings.

Canada open the tournament against Latvia on May 1st. McLellan’s men will also play Austria, the host Czech Republic, France, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland in the preliminary round of the competition.

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About the author
Bassil Thayabeh
Bassil is a sports journalist covering the latest in sports news for VAVEL USA, predominantly over seeing the Toronto franchises and other Canadian sports. Bassil has also featured for United Report and FutbolPulse.