Two famous hockey families asked to work with Hockey Canada

The President of Hockey Canada didn’t mince words.

“Canada has to get better,” said Bob Nicholson Wednesday morning as Hockey Canada announced its coaching staff for the 2014 World Junior Hockey Championship and the men’s summer Under -18.

In the last four World Under 20 hockey championships, Canada has failed to win a gold medal. In fact this year, they didn’t win a medal – at all.

In an effort to end this drought, Hockey Canada is turning to a familiar face – and a coach who has won before – as Brent Sutter takes over the coaching duties.

Sutter led Canada to gold medals at this event in 2005 and 2006.

“One of the things we wanted to do was identify who were the top coaches in this country,” said Nicholson. “And we went after them.”

Nicholson added: “He has won 2 straight world juniors. He hasn’t lost a game.”

No pressure, eh Brent?

“No,” said Sutter, the former New Jersey Devils and Calgary Flames coach who is currently the coach, GM and owner of the Western Hockey League’s Red Deer Rebels. “Been there, understand it.”

That he does. He went undefeated in 12 games over the two tournaments and was 7-0-1 in the 2007 Canada-Russia super series which featured both countries national junior teams.

A Sutter coached team plays with an edge and works hard. It’s those type of characteristics he hopes to bring to the junior team for the event to be held in late December – early January in Malmo, Sweden.

“Canada plays a certain way,” said Sutter. “Skill and talent can be overrated cause you need to have the other ingredients to win. The big part of it is character.”

While this tournament doesn’t get much attention in most of the hockey world, it is a huge event in Canada.

The Sports Network (TSN) has done a marvellous job of  broadcasting the tournament over the years. With it being played out over the quiet Christmas break, Canadians have become immersed in what is an annual tradition.

“It’s very exciting but it’s a process to go through,” said Sutter, who represented Canada as a player at the 1986 World Championships and in the 1984, 1987 and 1991 Canada Cups. “The expectations are always high.”

Yes they are. And this won’t be any different.

Meantime, London Knights coach Dale Hunter – who coached briefly the Washington Capitals for part of the 2012-2013 season – will coach the Men’s summer Under-18 team in August at the annual Ivan Hlinka tournament in the Czech Republic.

“To represent your country it’s an honour,” said Hunter. “That’s why we jumped on it.”

Hunter has spent 11 seasons as owner, president and head coach of the London Knights leading the team to three Memorial Cup appearances, winning the title in 2005.

“It’s one of those things as a player you always want to represent your country,” said Hunter. “Unfortunately I wasn’t good enough.”

But he is good enough as a coach.

For years Hunter wasn’t on Hockey Canada’s radar. Hunter doesn’t have a polished image, and as a player he was known more for suspensions than scoring goals.

His addition to the Hockey Canada program you could say is long overdue.

“Definitely, admitted Nicholson. “ We were looking at it was that a piece we were missing along the way? It could be.”

Usually when you coach the summer Men’s Under -18 team, you usually follow that up coaching the Under -20 team.

“What he has done with London is pretty special,” added Nicholson. “It’s great for him to take the  under 18 program. He hasn’t been involved in the program . We are going to learn a lot from him.”

The Memorial of  Ivan Hlinka tournament runs August 5 to 10.

The Under 20 men’s hockey championship will take place December 26 to January 5 of next year.