Hockey Canada unveiled its coaching roster for the upcoming 2027 World Junior Championships, appointing Misha Donskov as the head coach.
Donskov, a veteran of international competition, previously served as associate head coach and vice president of hockey operations at the 2026 World Juniors, where he helped secure multiple gold medals across men’s and women’s divisions.
A Legacy of Leadership
The staff assembled brings together decades of combined experience, ranging from NHL bench stints to championship celebrations on the world stage.
Drew Bannister, a former St. Louis Blues head coach, joins as an assistant after a playing career that included a gold‑medal performance with Team Canada at the 1994 World Junior Championship.
Jim Hulton, who has navigated the OHL, NHL, USHL and QMJHL sidelines, adds his award‑winning expertise, having captured gold at the 2005 World Juniors.
Brad Lauer, a longtime NHL and WHL assistant, contributes a WHL championship ring and a bronze medal from the World Junior tournament.
Goalie coach Dan De Palma, entrenched in the WHL since 2006, has shaped the development of several elite net‑minders and served as the goaltending mentor for Canada’s U18 program.
Ryan Getzlaf, the former Anaheim Ducks captain, rounds out the group as an assistant coach, bringing 1,019 NHL points and a Stanley Cup championship from 2007 into the mix.
Prospects on the Rise
The roster will feature emerging talents such as forward Caleb Malhotra, defenseman Tynan Lawrence and winger Gavin McKenna, each of whom has generated buzz among scouts for their offensive flair and defensive reliability.
Additional prospects including Landon DuPont, Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue are expected to add depth and youthful energy to the squad.
With a blend of seasoned leadership and fresh talent, Canada’s coaching staff aims to translate its championship pedigree into a competitive showing at the 2027 tournament.