Hockey Canada names Doug Armstrong head of management team for 2016 World Cup
Doug Armstrong is taking on some extra work in the name of national pride.
The St. Louis Blues general manager and Sarnia, Ont., native has been named head of the management group for Canada's team at the 2015 World Cup, it was announced Monday.
Filling out the brain trust will be Ken Holland of the Detroit Red Wings, Marc Bergevin of the Montreal Canadiens, Bob Murray of the Anaheim Ducks, Rob Blake of the Los Angeles Kings, and Scott Salmond of Hockey Canada.
Armstrong, the NHL's GM of the Year in 2012, has worked with Hockey Canada several times, most recently serving as assistant director of player personnel for the gold medal-winning 2010 men's Winter Olympic team in Sochi.
He, along with Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman, is a member of the management version of the “Triple Gold Club,” having won a Stanley Cup (with the Dallas Stars), an Olympic gold medal, and a World Championship gold medal (2009).
While there's never a shortage of talent to choose from when it comes to building an all-Canadian roster, Armstrong and his team will have the added challenge of selecting players age 24 and older, as younger players will be reserved for the North American Youngstars squad.
The tournament is set to take place from Sept. 17 to Oct. 1, 2016.