STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
Canada's head coach Misha Donskov watches from behind the bench during a Group B preliminary round game between Canada and Sweden at the men's ice hockey world championship in Fribourg, Switzerland, Friday, May 15, 2026. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)
By The Canadian Press

Bannister, Lauer, Hulton and Getzlaf join Donskov’s world junior coaching staff

Jul 20, 2026 | 12:19 PM

CALGARY — Hockey Canada has announced its coaching staff for the 2027 world junior hockey championship, with Drew Bannister, Brad Lauer, Jim Hulton and Ryan Getzlaf joining head coach Misha Donskov’s staff as assistants.

Canada’s hockey governing body announced the coaching additions, including Dan De Palma as goaltending coach and Adam Filmon as video coach, in a release Monday.

Hockey Canada announced in April that Donskov would coach Canada at the 2027 world junior championship, as well as the 2026 and 2027 men’s world championships.

Canada finished fourth at this year’s world championship after a shock defeat to Norway in the bronze-medal game.

Getzlaf, a former Anaheim Ducks captain who helped the team win the Stanley Cup in 2007, has worked in management roles with Hockey Canada since making his debut under general manager Doug Armstrong at the 2024 world championship.

Lauer (Spokane Chiefs/Western Hockey League), Bannister (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds/Ontario Hockey League), and Hulton (Saint John Sea Dogs/Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League) are all head coaches in the Canadian Hockey League — the umbrella organization for the country’s three major junior leagues.

Lauer and Donskov were part of the coaching staff that helped Canada win bronze at the 2026 world juniors.

The 2027 tournament will be held from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta.

Canada will begin its preparation for the tournament at the World Junior Summer Showcase from July 26 to Aug. 1 in Windsor, Ont., competing against Finland, Sweden and the United States.

“We are excited to officially announce our coaching staff for Canada’s national junior team and bring together a group of experienced, accomplished leaders who are deeply committed to player development and winning on the international stage,” general manager Alan Millar said in a statement. “Misha, Drew, Ryan, Jim, Brad and Dan each bring a unique set of skills and perspectives, along with extensive experience at the professional, major junior and international levels.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 20, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press