Canada names Tocchet, DeBoer, Cassidy as 4 Nations assistants
Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper has rounded out his staff for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Rick Tocchet, Peter DeBoer, Bruce Cassidy, and Misha Donskov were named assistant coaches for the February 2025 international tournament, while James Emery was hired as video coach.
"This is a highly-skilled group of coaches that bring impressive accolades and experience at all levels of the game," Cooper said in a statement. "I know our players will greatly benefit from this world-class coaching staff, and I look forward to working alongside all five and representing Canada in international competition in February."
Tocchet is the reigning Jack Adams Award winner after guiding the Vancouver Canucks to a 109-point season and a Pacific Division title in 2023-24. Tocchett, who played 18 seasons in the NHL, also coached the Tampa Bay Lightning and Arizona Coyotes and won a pair of Stanley Cups as an assistant with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
DeBoer led the Dallas Stars to a 113-point season, a Central Division title, and a second straight Western Conference Final appearance in 2023-24. He owns a career .581 points percentage in 16 seasons as an NHL head coach with the Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, Vegas Golden Knights, and Stars. He made Stanley Cup Final appearances with the Devils and Sharks.
Cassidy guided the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup in his first season with the club in 2022-23. He previously spent six campaigns with the Boston Bruins, making a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2019 and winning the Jack Adams in 2020.
Donskov was an assistant coach in Vegas for parts of four seasons - three under DeBoer and one under Cassidy. He joined DeBoer again as an assistant in Dallas last season.
Emery has served as a video coach for various men's and women's Hockey Canada teams, winning a total of seven gold medals.
Canada's management group for the tournament is led by GM Don Sweeney, associate GM Jim Nill, assistant GM Julien BriseBois, and director of player personnel Kyle Dubas.
"We believe we have assembled an elite group of coaches and support staff that will be key contributors to Team Canada's success as we continue to prepare for international competition this season," Sweeney said. "Each individual brings unique experience to our team that will prepare our players to be at their best, and we know everyone is excited for the opportunity to wear the Maple Leaf with pride."
Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Brad Marchand, Connor McDavid, and Brayden Point were already named to the team as part of a six-player announcement in June.