Coyotes' Dave Tippett named Team Canada coach

PHOENIX - After failing to advance to the playoffs for the second consecutive season, the Phoenix Coyotes aren't taking to the ice anytime soon. But that doesn't mean coach Dave Tippett is ready to start his offseason.

On Wednesday, Hockey Canada announced Tippett as its coach for the national men's team that will participate in the upcoming World Championships hosted May 9-25 in Belarus.

"When you get an opportunity to coach for your country, you can never pass that up," Tippett said. "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."

This will be Tippett's third appearance on Canada's coaching staff at this tournament. He was previously an associate coach last year and in 2009 when Canada captured silver. He also represented Canada at two Olympics as a player, serving as captain in 1984 and then grabbing silver in 1992.

"There's a little bit different structure in the game but ultimately, the biggest challenge in a tournament like this is getting your group together as quick as you can," Tippett said. "You have players from all different teams, and you've got to get playing a team game as quick as you can. Those are the biggest challenges.

"The larger ice surface comes in, a few tactical things but for the most part, it's still a game and it's whoever plays the best team game and whoever plays the hardest usually wins. That was shown evident in the Olympics this year."

Because the World Championships are coming on the heels of the Winter Games, new faces are expected for this tournament. Among the players already committed to play under Tippett are Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa and Ottawa Senators forward Kyle Turris.

"Our group's a lot of young players that are NHL players that are looking for the experience," Tippett said. "That just enhances the challenge of getting everybody together as quick as you can."

Tippett will be flanked by assistants Peter DeBoer (New Jersey Devils) and Paul Maurice (Winnipeg Jets). Coyotes assistant general manager Brad Treliving is also serving as an assistant GM for the Canadian team.

"It's a good experience," Tippett said. "You get to interact with other coaches, get on the world stage and get to know a lot of players throughout the league. It's just a great experience all the way around."

Sarah McLellan writes for the Arizona Republic