DAVOS (Switzerland) — Jeremy Colliton, Canada’s head coach for men’s hockey, has been promoted to the position of head coach following the injury that sidelined Claude Julien.
Hockey Canada reported that Julien fell on the ice and fractured his vertebrae during training camp in Switzerland. The medical staff decided that he would not be able fly to China to compete in the Games.
Colliton, who was previously the assistant coach for team, will assume head coaching duties.
Colliton, 37 years old, was the Chicago Blackhawks’ head coaching coach for parts four seasons before he was fired on November.
Former center played six seasons professionally for the New York Islanders, Bridgeport Sound Tigers and American Hockey League. He then moved into coaching in the Alberta Junior Hockey League as well as the Swedish league HockeyAllsvenskan.
Colliton stated in a statement that he was honored to lead the team, and that he has learned a lot from Julien during their brief time together.