US Para ice hockey names Gosselin as head coach

"I am extremely honoured to have this opportunity... I look forward to leading this team through to next year's Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang."

USA Hockey has named Guy Gosselin as head coach of the US national Para ice hockey team. Gosselin led Team USA to a silver medal at the 2017 World Championship in Gangneung, South Korea, and will also coach the team heading to the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

This will be Gosselin's second Paralympic Winter Games after serving as an assistant coach for the gold-medal winning team from Sochi 2014 alongside head coach Jeff Sauer, who passed away last February.

"Guy was tremendous in leading us to the gold-medal game in last year's World Championship and the obvious choice for the job given his experience with our players over the last several years," said Dan Brennan, USA Hockey’s director for Para ice hockey and general manager of the 2018 US Paralympic team. "Having been on the coaching staff for four of our championship teams, including at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, we're confident Guy will carry on the great foundation that Coach Sauer created within this team."

Gosselin said: "I am extremely honoured to have this opportunity," said Gosselin. "This team has become accustomed to winning thanks to a deep talent pool that includes a mix of accomplished veterans and promising youngsters. I'm excited for tryouts next month and look forward to leading this team through to next year's Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang."

This will be Gosselin's third stint with the US national team.

In addition to serving as head coach for Team USA in last year's World Championship, Gosselin also worked alongside Sauer as an assistant coach from 2011-15. During his time with Team USA, Gosselin helped the US claim gold medals at Sochi 2014; and the 2012 World Championships in Hamar, Norway; as well as a silver medal at the 2013 World Championship in Goyang City, South Korea.

"Guy's experience with USA Hockey as a player and a coach – and more specifically with this team – speaks for itself and we're excited to have him leading this team in PyeongChang next year," said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. "USA Hockey's international success in sled hockey is a credit to the clubs and volunteers that have helped create arguably the deepest talent pool in the world."

A two-time Olympian, Gosselin was a member on the US hockey teams in 1988 and 1992. He is also a three-time national team member (1986, 1990, 1991), and is currently a regional manager of USA Hockey's American Development Model.

Prior to joining USA Hockey, Gosselin served 14 years as general manager of the Ozaukee Ice Center in Mequon, Wisconsin. He helped found the NCAA Division III Concordia University Wisconsin men's and women's ice hockey teams and implemented on- and off-ice youth programs.

Gosselin played professionally for parts of six seasons, including a stint with the NHL's Winnipeg Jets following the 1988 Olympic Winter Games.

More information on Gosselin can be found on USA Hockey’s website.