Regina’s Ryan Getzlaf named assistant coach for Canada’s world junior team

By Liam Tremblay — 20 July 2026 — 3 min read

Ryan Getzlaf, a Regina native, has been appointed as an assistant coach for Canada‘s world junior team. The tournament is scheduled to take place in December and January in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta. Getzlaf will serve under head coach Misha Donskov, joining a coaching staff that also includes assistant coaches Drew Bannister, Brad Lauer, and Jim Hulton. Dan De Palma has been named the goaltending coach for the team.

This marks Getzlaf’s initial coaching role with a national team, following his previous involvement in management positions for various senior-level international competitions. These included the world championship, the Olympics, and the 4 Nations Face-Off. As a player, Getzlaf, a former captain for the Anaheim Ducks, secured two Olympic gold medals with Canada in 2010 and 2014. His playing career also saw him earn a silver medal at the world juniors in 2004 and a gold medal in 2005.

Coaching Staff and Preparations

General manager Alan Millar expressed confidence in the assembled coaching staff, highlighting their diverse skills and extensive experience. Millar noted that Misha Donskov, Drew Bannister, Ryan Getzlaf, Jim Hulton, Brad Lauer, and Dan De Palma each contribute unique perspectives and possess significant experience from professional, major junior, and international levels. Millar stated that the organization believes this staff will foster an environment conducive to player success and proud representation of Canada at the upcoming world juniors.

The assistant coaches bring varied backgrounds from the Canadian Hockey League. Drew Bannister is the head coach for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL. Brad Lauer leads the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL, and Jim Hulton is the head coach for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL. These coaches’ experience within the major junior leagues is expected to be valuable for the team.

Drew Bannister’s coaching career includes a second tenure as head coach for the Soo Greyhounds, a role he took on in June. He previously coached the team from 2015 to 2018. During his earlier stint with the Greyhounds, Bannister was recognized with both the OHL and CHL Coach of the Year awards in 2018, following a season where his team achieved 116 points. The Greyhounds reached the OHL Finals that year, where they were defeated by the Hamilton Bulldogs.

Prior to his current role, Bannister served as an assistant coach for the Canadian Spengler Cup team last season. He also held the head coach position for Canada’s U18 team, which finished in sixth place. His coaching journey also includes an assistant coaching role with the Owen Sound Attack before his first head coaching period with the Greyhounds. Bannister transitioned to professional hockey in 2018, joining the St. Louis Blues system.

Bannister was named the head coach of the St. Louis Blues in December 2023, following the dismissal of Craig Berube. During his time with the Blues, he accumulated a record of 39-31-6 in 76 games before his own dismissal. As a player, Bannister also played for the Greyhounds and appeared in parts of six NHL seasons with four different teams.

The Canadian team will commence its preparations for the world junior tournament at the World Junior Summer Showcase. This event is scheduled from July 26 to August 1 in Windsor, Ontario. During the showcase, Canada will compete against teams from Finland, Sweden, and the United States. Additionally, Dave Brown, General Manager of the Erie Otters, has been named an Assistant General Manager for Canada’s 2027 World Junior Team.

Canada’s performance at this year’s world championship saw them finish in fourth place, after experiencing a defeat to Norway in the bronze-medal game. The upcoming world junior tournament will be held in December and January.

Source: sportsnet.ca