Misha Donskov to Lead Canada at Three Major Tournaments Through 2027

Key facts

• Misha Donskov, 48, named head coach for Canada's National Men's Team and National Junior Team through 2026-27.
• Donskov's head coaching debut at 2026 IIHF World Championship in Zürich and Fribourg, Switzerland.
• Will also lead Canada at 2027 World Championship in Düsseldorf and Mannheim, Germany.
• Will coach at 2027 World Junior Championship in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta.
• Previously assistant coach with Dallas Stars (2023-25) and Vegas Golden Knights (2020-23), winning Stanley Cup in 2023.
• Won silver at 2026 Olympics and gold at 4 Nations Face-Off as assistant coach.
• Hired as vice-president of hockey operations on June 27, 2025.
• Donskov will build coaching staffs for both national teams.

A New Era for Canadian Hockey Leadership

Hockey Canada announced Thursday that Misha Donskov will serve as head coach at three marquee events through the 2026-27 season, expanding his role in hockey operations. The 48-year-old will make his international head coaching debut at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Zürich and Fribourg, Switzerland, and will also lead the team at the 2027 edition in Düsseldorf and Mannheim, Germany. He will take the reins as head coach at the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, which returns to Canadian ice in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, in December 2026. Donskov, who was hired as vice-president of hockey operations and men’s national team coach on June 27, 2025, will now implement the vision and technical strategies for Hockey Canada’s men’s, women’s, and para hockey teams while strengthening alignment between the organization’s hockey and business operations staff. His appointment signals a long-term commitment to building a cohesive program across all levels of the sport. “Misha is an integral member of our hockey operations staff, and his contributions to successful teams at Hockey Canada over the years, as well as his NHL and OHL coaching and front office experience, make him the perfect fit to lead our National Men’s Team and National Junior Team as head coach starting next month,” said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations.

A Proven Track Record at the Highest Levels

Donskov brings a wealth of experience from both the NHL and international competitions. He served as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars under Peter DeBoer for two seasons from 2023 to 2025, and spent more than three years (2020-23) as an assistant and four years (2016-20) as director of hockey operations with the Vegas Golden Knights, winning the Stanley Cup in 2023. His international resume includes a silver medal at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games and gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off as an assistant coach, as well as IIHF World Championship gold medals as video coach (2015) and assistant coach (2016). He has also won gold and bronze at the 2015 and 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, respectively, serving as video coach (2015) and associate coach (2026), as well as bronze at the 2014 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship as video coach. Donskov was part of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey championship team as an assistant, the 2019 Spengler Cup victory as director of hockey operations and assistant coach, and the 2013 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka as video coach. His extensive background also includes five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the London Knights (2009-12) and Ottawa 67s (2012-14), highlighted by an OHL championship as London’s assistant general manager and assistant coach in 2012. He also held previous NHL roles with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Atlanta Thrashers.

Building Toward Gold: Donskov's Vision and Strategy

Donskov will not only serve as head coach but also build the coaching staffs for both the National Men’s Team and the National Junior Team. This dual responsibility underscores Hockey Canada’s confidence in his ability to foster a winning culture and align strategies across age groups. “Misha is a world-class coach, and we are fortunate to have him building the coaching and support staffs that will put us in a position to win multiple gold medals at two of the marquee events on the international hockey calendar,” Salmond added. In his statement, Donskov expressed gratitude for the opportunity and outlined his collaborative approach. “Representing Canada on the international stage is a huge honour, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Canada’s National Men’s Team and Canada’s National Junior Team as head coach at three marquee world championships,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with my colleagues in hockey operations and throughout Hockey Canada, as well as coaches and staff throughout the National Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League, to build teams and programs that give us the best chance to win gold medals.” The coaching staff for the 2026 IIHF World Championship will be announced in the coming days, while the staff for the World Junior Championship will be revealed at a later date.

From OHL to International Stage: Donskov's Ascent

Donskov’s journey to the top of Canadian hockey began in the Ontario Hockey League, where he spent five seasons with the London Knights and Ottawa 67s. His tenure with the Knights culminated in an OHL championship in 2012, where he served as assistant general manager and assistant coach. This early success paved the way for his move to the NHL, first with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Atlanta Thrashers in hockey development roles, then with the Vegas Golden Knights as director of hockey operations. His time with the Golden Knights saw him win the Stanley Cup in 2023, a feat that added to his growing list of accolades. Donskov’s ability to adapt from front office to bench coaching has been a hallmark of his career, and his international experience—spanning multiple World Championships, World Juniors, and the Olympics—has prepared him for the pressures of leading Canada on home ice. Hockey Canada’s decision to entrust Donskov with both the men’s and junior teams reflects a strategic shift toward continuity, ensuring that players moving through the national program encounter consistent systems and expectations.

What Lies Ahead: The Road to 2026 and 2027

The immediate focus is on the 2026 IIHF World Championship, set for May in Switzerland. Donskov will finalize his coaching staff in the coming days, and the team will begin preparations for a tournament that Canada has historically dominated. The 2027 World Junior Championship in Alberta will be a particularly high-stakes event, as Canada looks to reclaim gold on home soil after recent disappointments. Beyond these tournaments, Donskov’s expanded role as vice-president of hockey operations means he will influence the broader direction of Hockey Canada’s men’s, women’s, and para hockey programs. His mandate includes strengthening alignment between hockey operations and business staff, a move aimed at improving organizational efficiency and on-ice performance. The 2027 World Championship in Germany will serve as another benchmark for Donskov’s leadership, with Canada aiming to add to its record medal count. With a proven track record and a clear vision, Donskov is poised to become a central figure in Canadian hockey for years to come.

The bottom line

• Misha Donskov will serve as head coach for Canada's National Men's Team and National Junior Team through the 2026-27 season.
• His head coaching debut is at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, followed by the 2027 World Juniors in Alberta and the 2027 Worlds in Germany.
• Donskov brings extensive NHL and international experience, including a Stanley Cup win with Vegas and Olympic silver.
• He will build the coaching staffs for both teams, emphasizing continuity and alignment across programs.
• Hockey Canada's senior vice-president Scott Salmond praised Donskov as a 'world-class coach' capable of winning multiple gold medals.
• Donskov's expanded role includes overseeing technical strategies for men's, women's, and para hockey teams.