Kamloops Blazers goaltending coach Dan De Palma will be part of Team Canada’s coaching staff for the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship in Finland.
De Palma has been working as the Blazers goaltending coach for the past 14 years, having also spent time with the Prince George Cougars.
The Kamloops native has previously served as a goaltending consultant for Team Canada Black at the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, winning a silver medal.
The 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship runs from April 25 until May 5 in Espoo and Vantaa, Finland.
Canada will open the tournament on April 25 against Sweden. They’ll also face Czechia, Switzerland and Kazakhstan in round-robin action.
Semifinal games set for May 4 with the medal games scheduled for May 5.
Since 2002, Canada has won gold four times at the tournament (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021), as well as one silver (2005) and four bronze medals (2012, 2014, 2015, 2023).
Other WHL representatives on Team Canada’s coaching and support staff include Spokane Chiefs Head Coach Ryan Smith, who will serve as assistant coach, Edmonton Oil Kings athletic therapist Jimmy McKnight and Victoria Royals team physician Dr. Michael Conrad.
Hey this is great. Congrats @ddepalma1 https://t.co/Cfo3wR5mjz
— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) April 11, 2024