Golden Knights coach Pete DeBoer was one of three NHL coaches named to Jon Cooper’s staff for Team Canada for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, the organization announced Monday.
DeBoer will join New York Islanders coach Barry Trotz and Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy on the staff. Cooper, the coach of the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning, will make his debut leading the Canadian team.
This is all contingent on if the NHL and the league’s players association can come to an agreement on playing in the Olympics this season. Tentatively, there is a two-week break between Feb. 7-22 that would allow the players to play for their homelands.
Certain issues, which include COVID-19 insurance in regards to travel, are still part of discussions between the NHLPA and the International Ice Hockey Federation.
But should that be resolved, DeBoer could have a busy week ahead of him. The NHL’s All-Star weekend is Feb. 4-5 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Should the Golden Knights be in first place in the Pacific Division come that time, DeBoer would likely coach the All-Star game in his city before getting on a flight to Beijing.
This is DeBoer’s first appearance on an Olympic staff. He was an assistant four times for Team Canada during the World Championships, winning the gold medal in 2015.
Golden Knights director of hockey operations Misha Donskov was also added to the staff as special assistant for coaching operations.