Jay Woodcroft hired as an assistant coach

Jay Woodcroft's relatively brief stint as the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers left a memorable mark on the team and its fans.

Jay Woodcroft's relatively brief tenure at the helm of the Edmonton Oilers was enough to leave a lasting impression, characterized by a commendable coaching record of 79-41-13. Despite his successes, Woodcroft found himself without a role until recently when he landed a significant position on the international stage.


Woodcroft has been appointed as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the upcoming IIHF Championships, an opportunity that marks a new chapter in his coaching career. This news, first reported on NHL Hodgkinson's Twitter, indicates a bright future for Woodcroft in the coaching realm. Read the tweet here.



Joining a stellar lineup, Woodcroft will work under head coach Andre Tourigny alongside other notable assistants like Dean Evason and Steve Ott. This high-caliber coaching team is set to lead Team Canada in Europe, and Woodcroft's inclusion is a testament to his esteemed reputation and strategic acumen.

Woodcroft's tenure in Edmonton, though impactful, ended after a challenging start to this season marked by poor goaltending and rigid defensive tactics. His departure was a significant talking point, illustrating the harsh realities of professional sports where even successful coaches can find themselves sidelined due to a series of unfavorable outcomes.

The concept that a coach often finds greater success in a second tenure, having learned from initial challenges, is a narrative fitting for Woodcroft. His new role with Team Canada could well be the stepping stone back to the NHL, where teams like the San Jose Sharks and Ottawa Senators are already making changes in their coaching staff as they plan rebuilds.

As the IIHF Championships approach and Woodcroft prepares to showcase his skills on an international platform, both his former fans in Edmonton and potential suitors in the NHL will be watching closely. This appointment could not only revitalize his career but also prove pivotal in demonstrating his readiness for another leading role in the NHL. Oilers fans, in particular, will be rooting for his success, hopeful that the coach who once led their team with distinction will achieve great things on the world stage and possibly return to the NHL with new insights and strategies.