SPORTS

Tim Hunter named head coach of Canada's under-18 men's hockey squad

The Canadian Press Published Friday, March 27, 2015 12:29PM EDT

Tim Hunter, centre, behind the bench in Calgary, Alta., on Jan. 15, 2014. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / Jeff McIntosh)

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CALGARY -- Former NHL player Tim Hunter was named the head coach of Canada's under-18 men's hockey team Friday.

Hunter, 54, will lead Canada into the world under-18 championship April 16-26 in Zug and Lucerne, Switzerland.

Hunter, the head coach of the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors, will make his first appearance behind the bench for Canada. He played in 815 career NHL games over 16 seasons with Colorado, Calgary, Vancouver and San Jose.

Hunter had 62 goals and 76 assists and helped Calgary win the Stanley Cup in 1989. He also served as an assistant coach in the 14 NHL seasons with Washington, Toronto and San Jose.

Ian Herbers (University of Alberta) and Louis Robitaille (Drummondville Voltigeurs, QMJHL) were named as Hunter's assistant coaches.

Canada opens the under-18 event April 16 against Latvia.