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WHL Prince George Cougars

Associate Coach Jim Playfair Named Assistant Coach for Team Canada at the Spengler Cup

December 15, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince George Cougars News Release


WENATCHEE, WA - The Prince George Cougars are thrilled to announce that Associate Coach Jim Playfair has been appointed as an Assistant Coach for Team Canada at the prestigious Spengler Cup, set to take place in Davos, Switzerland. The tournament, commencing on Boxing Day, marks Playfair's debut on the international coaching stage.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Coach Playfair commented, "It's something I've never done before, and I'm looking forward to it. Any time you get the opportunity to represent your country, it comes with a lot of respect and pride, and I'm excited by it."

Hailing from Fort St. James, BC, Playfair brings a wealth of coaching experience, having spent 19 seasons in various coaching roles in the NHL and AHL. He served six seasons as both head coach and assistant coach with the Calgary Flames (2002-09), acted as an Associate Coach with the Arizona Coyotes for six seasons (2011-17), and contributed to the coaching staff of the Edmonton Oilers for three seasons (2019-22).

At the helm of AHL teams, Playfair achieved significant success, serving as the head coach of the Saint John Flames for parts of three seasons (2000-03) and the Abbotsford Heat for two seasons (2009-11), clinching the Calder Cup with Saint John in 2001.

Joining Playfair on Team Canada's coaching staff are assistants Larry Mitchell and Jim Tomlinson, with the highly respected Bruce Boudreau, former NHL head coach, leading as the Head Coach. Steering the team from the management side is the recently retired NHL veteran Joe Thornton, serving as the General Manager for this edition of Team Canada.

Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, Playfair stated, "Meeting with Bruce and going through meetings with the Hockey Canada people and the staff led by Joe Thornton and his entire group has been a lot of fun, and educational, and we are looking forward to it."

The Prince George Cougars extend their heartfelt congratulations to Coach Playfair and wish him and Team Canada great success at the Spengler Cup.

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Western Hockey League Stories from December 15, 2023


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