Dineen to lead Canada into Spengler Cup
CALGARY Sean Burke and Ron Francis have been named co-general managers for Canada’s team at next month’s Spengler Cup, while Kevin Dineen will lead the coaching staff.
Hockey Canada said in a statement Gordie Dwyer and Mike Kitchen will be Dineen’s assistants for the tournament, which is Dec. 26-31 in Davos, Switzerland.
Burke was general manager of Canada’s 2018 Olympic men’s hockey team, which claimed the bronze medal in Pyeongchang, South Korea. He also built the Canadian teams that won the last two Spengler Cup titles and has also been part of Canada’s management at the last four world championships.
Francis spent 12 seasons in management with the Carolina Hurricanes, serving as executive vice-president of hockey operations and general manager from 2014-18.
“Sean and Ron bring so much to the table, so bringing them on board was an obvious choice for us,” Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney said in a news release. “Not only do they have years of experience as players and executives, but both are decorated Team Canada alumni.”
Dineen led Canada’s women’s team to gold at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and led Canada to bronze at the 2014 under-18 world championship.
Canada begins its quest for a fourth straight Spengler Cup title Dec. 26 against host HC Davos.