Jeremy Colliton takes over for injured Claude Julien as Team Canada Olympic coach

Credit: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports

Jeremy Colliton has taken over the head coaching role at the 2022 Olympics for Team Canada after Claude Julien was injured in a fall.

Hockey Canada said the accident happened during a team-building activity in Switzerland when Julien slipped on ice, fracturing his ribs. After meetings with team doctors and other medical experts, it was determined he wouldn’t be able to fly to participate in the Games.

“Claude was beyond excited and honoured to be a member of Team Canada at the Olympics, and we are all disappointed that he will no longer be able to lead our team in Beijing,” said general manager Shane Doan in a statement. “Claude is in great spirits and we will continue to do everything we can to support him. We ask that Claude’s privacy please be respected at this time.

“We are fortunate to have an experienced coaching staff, and Jeremy is a talented, young coach with a long career ahead of him. We know he will do an exceptional job leading our team behind the bench in Beijing. While we are excited for Jeremy to take on this challenge, we know Claude will be supporting us every step of the way and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

Colliton, 37, spent five years in the Chicago Blackhawks organization breaking into the ranks as head coach of the Rockford IceHogs in 2017. Two years later, he was promoted to the Blackhawks taking over for Joel Quenneville, who was dismissed on Nov. 6, 2018.

In four years behind the Blackhawks bench, Colliton, a native of Blackie, Alta., amassed an 87-92-26 record.

Assistant coaches Nolan Baumgartner and Tyler Dietrich will continue their work, while Doan, assistant general manager Scott Salmond, and senior vice-president of hockey operations Tom Renney will assist in day-to-day operations.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.