Raiders coach Jeff Truitt. (submitted Photo)

By Derek Craddock

TEAM CANADA

Truitt to lead the red and white at U18 Worlds

Apr 11, 2023 | 12:04 PM

From the Art Hauser Centre to the world stage, Canada’s best U18 players will be led by a P.A. Raider.

Hockey Canada unveiled the coaching staff for the U18 World Championships on Tuesday with Jeff Truitt named head coach for Team Canada.

“It’s a tremendous honour, there’s no doubt about that. When you get an invitation to be a part of Hockey Canada and go for a gold medal, it’s a pretty good way to end the year here but being a part of the program it’s such an honour to represent your country.”

Truitt just finished his first season with the Raiders after taking over for long-time coach Marc Habschied.

The Raiders went 28-37-3 on the season, missing out on the WHL playoffs.

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With the season in the rearview mirror, Truitt is looking forward to getting the tournament underway. In fact, he and the coaching staff leave for Zurich on Tuesday.

“Once we get in there; we have a quick practice and just get on the clock and then we start implementing the system as best we can, but you certainly don’t want to overload these players.”

Canada opens the tournament against Sweden on April 20 with the gold medal game scheduled for April 30.

Joining Truitt on the coaching staff are assistants John Dean and Bruce Richardson, along with goaltender coach Justin Pogge.

“Jeff, John, Bruce and Justin are thrilled to represent Canada and lead our team, and we know the athletes will benefit greatly from their leadership as we compete for a gold medal in Switzerland,” said Director of Player Personnel, Alan Miller.

Truitt said he’s looking forward to working with a coaching staff that has as much experience as this one.

“I’m looking forward to the returning guys that have the experience with the Ivan Hlinka, they’ll be the driving force with their experience,” he said. “The first-time guys that are getting a chance with this program, it’s such an honour. They get to see a different part of the world, which is exciting.”

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow