Lightning's Jon Cooper Keeps Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off Coaching Staff Intact For 2026 Olympics
Canada and Cooper went on to win the event, defeating Team USA in the finals in overtime thanks to a goal by Connor McDavid. At the 4 Nations, Canada had a great blend of skill and grit, with each player buying into Cooper's philosophies.
Joining Cooper on his staff were Rick Tocchet, Bruce Cassidy, Pete DeBoer and Misha Donskov as assistant coaches, who will all return for the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Goaltending consultant David Alexander, director of performance analysis James Emery and video co-ordinator Elliott Mondou round out the staff.
"After a successful 4 Nations Face-Off, I am excited to welcome Bruce, Peter, Rick, Misha, David, James and Elliott back to Canada's coaching staff for 2026 Olympic Winter Games, as this is a highly skilled group of coaches that bring impressive resumés to our staff," Cooper said in a release.
"This group of coaches will provide consistency and a winning pedigree to our team, and I know our players will greatly benefit from this world-class coaching staff."
The previously announced management staff feature GM Doug Armstrong, assistant GMs Julien BriseBois, Jim Nill and Don Sweeney and director of player personnel Kyle Dubas.
The first six players named to Team Canada in June are Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Sam Reinhart, Cale Makar and Lightning forward Brayden Point. Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel featured on Canada's rosters at the 4 Nations Face-Off and are expected to make the Olympic roster.
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