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Blashill to coach USA at Worlds

Detroit Red Wings v Arizona Coyotes

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 14: Head coach Jeff Blashill of the Detroit Red Wings watches from the bench during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on January 14, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Red Wings defeated the Coyotes 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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Yesterday, USA Hockey announced the management group that would assemble the American entry into this year’s World Championships.

Today, the organization named its head coach -- Detroit Red wings bench boss Jeff Blashill.

“We’re extremely pleased to have Jeff lead our men’s national team at the world championship,” USA Hockey’s Jim Johannson said in a release. “He’s been successful at every step of his career and we know our team will be well prepared when the puck drops.”

This will mark the first time Blashill’s led the senior national team. He’s previously been involved with USA Hockey at the junior and U-18 levels.

This selection is a nice ending to what’s been a difficult year. Detroit struggled to a 33-36-13 record this season and Blashill, fairly or not, will always be remembered as the guy at the helm as the franchise ended its quarter-century playoff streak.

USA Hockey has yet to announce the remainder of Blashill’s staff for the tournament. On Monday, the big announcement was the addition of Bill Guerin and Chris Drury to the National Team Advisory Group.