Hockey Canada has announced that Jeremy Colliton will replace Claude Julien as head coach of Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team at the Beijing Games.
The organization announced the news in a press release on Sunday morning.
During a team building activity during training camp in Switzerland, Julien slipped on the ice and fractured his ribs, Hockey Canada said.
After consultation with team medical staff and other medical experts, it was determined that the injury would prevent him from flying to Beijing to compete in the Games.
“Claude was thrilled and honored to be part of Team Canada for the Games, and we are all disappointed that he can no longer lead our squad in Beijing,” said general manager Shane Doan.
“Claude is in good spirits, and we will continue to do everything we can to help him. We ask that you respect his privacy during this time. »
According to Doan, Team Canada is fortunate to have a seasoned coaching staff.
“Jeremy is a talented young coach destined for a great career. We know he will do an exceptional job behind our team’s bench in Beijing. We are happy to be able to entrust this challenge to Jeremy and we know that Claude, to whom we wish a speedy recovery, will support him throughout the tournament. »
Colliton was the head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks at various times during four seasons (2018-2021) after being promoted from the Rockford IceHogs in the American League.
Internationally, he won gold with Canada at the Ice Hockey Federation World Under-18 Championship in 2003 and the World Junior Championship in 2005.
“Replacing a coach with such a wealth of background as Claude Julien’s is no small task, but I’m honored to be called upon to coach Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team,” said Colliton.
“Our coaching staff are tightly knit and have learned a lot from Claude in the short time we’ve worked together, and I know all staff will continue to stick together as we strive for a gold medal. Olympic. »
Nolan Baumgartner and Tyler Dietrich will retain their roles as assistant coaches, while Doan, assistant general manager and senior vice president of hockey operations Scott Salmond and chief executive Tom Renney will provide day-to-day support to the coaching staff, said Hockey Canada said in its press release.