(WXYZ) — Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill will serve as the head coach of the 2019 U.S. Men's National Team.
It marks the third straight year for Blashill heading the team, which will compete in the IIHF Men's World Championship, set for May 10-26.
Blashill will be joined by assistant coaches Dan Bylsma (Grand Haven, Mich.), John Hynes (Warwick, R.I.) and Kevin Reiter (Pittsburgh, Pa.).
In addition to his previous stints as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, Blashill also served as the goaltending coach for the 2009 U.S. National Junior Team Team as well as an assistant coach for the U.S. Junior Select Team that won the 2009 World Junior A Challenge and the U.S. Under-18 Men's Select Team that earned second place at the 2006 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.
“It’s terrific to have Jeff back coaching our national team,” said Chris Drury (Trumbull, Conn.), general manager of the 2019 U.S. Men’s National Team. “He’s an excellent leader and is well-versed on what it takes to be successful on the international stage. We’re also fortunate to have a terrific group of assistant coaches and support staff that will represent us well in our ultimate goal of bringing the gold medal home to the United States.”
The news comes after the Red Wings recently announced that Blashill's contract will be extended for two more years.
