Spokane Chiefs Head Coach Ryan Smith and Kamloops Blazers goaltending coach Dan De Palma will join Team Canada's coaching staff for the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship in Finland.

By the Numbers
  • Canada has earned gold at the IIHF U18 World Championship four times (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021), with one silver (2005) and four bronze (2012, 2014, 2015, 2023).
  • The tournament will run from April 25 to May 5, with Canada's first game against Sweden on April 25 at 10:00 a.m. MST.
State of Play
  • Ryan Smith will serve as an assistant coach alongside Head Coach Gardiner MacDougall, Travis Crickard, and Bruce Richardson, while Dan De Palma will handle the goaltending for Team Canada.
  • The coaching staff also includes Edmonton Oil Kings' athletic therapist Jimmy McKnight and Victoria Royals' team physician Dr. Michael Conrad.
What's Next

Team Canada will compete against Sweden, Czechia, Switzerland, and Kazakstan in round-robin action before heading into semifinals on May 4 and medal matches on May 5.

Bottom Line

Ryan Smith and Dan De Palma will bring their coaching expertise to Team Canada for the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship as the team aims for gold amidst a competitive field in Finland.