Jeff Blashill named head coach of U.S. Men’s National Team for third time

By @MichaelCaples –

For the third straight spring, Jeff Blashill will be behind the bench for Team USA at the IIHF Men’s World Championship.

USA Hockey announced today that the Red Wings head coach will serve in the same capacity for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the international tournament, which begins in May in Slovakia.

He will be joined by Red Wings assistant coach and fellow Michigan native Dan Bylsma, as well as former NTDP coach Jon Hynes and current NTDP director of player personnel Kevin Reiter.

Adam Nightingale will serve as the video coordinator, and Piet VanZant will be one of the athletic trainers.

“It’s terrific to have Jeff back coaching our national team,” said Chris Drury, 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.”