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Tippett to coach Canada at Worlds

Chicago Blackhawks v Phoenix Coyotes

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 20: Head coach Dave Tippett watches from the bench during the NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Jobing.com Arena on January 20, 2013 in Glendale, Arizona. The Blackhawks defeated the Coyotes 6-4. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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Just days after Peter Laviolette was named coach of the U.S. team for the 2014 World Hockey Championship, Canada announced that Phoenix bench boss Dave Tippett would be its coach for the tournament, which will take place in Belarus from May 9-24.

“When you get an opportunity to coach for your country, you can never pass that up,” Tippett said, per the Arizona Republic. “That being said, I’d much rather be in the playoffs coaching our guys. But if the situation comes and you’re not busy, it’s an honor to go and coach for your country.”

Tippett has twice represented Canada in a coaching capacity -- at the 2009 and 2013 Worlds, both times serving as an assistant under Lindy Ruff. The ’09 team was the last Canadian group to medal at the Worlds, capturing silver after losing 2-1 to Russia in the final.

Last year, Tippett signed a five-year contract extension with the Coyotes reportedly worth $10 million.