The third edition of the World Cup of Hockey begins on September 17, 2016. With over a year to go, the planning has already begun, and for the United States, Dean Lombardi will be at the helm.
From the Kings’ press release:
Dean Lombardi (Ludlow, Mass.), president and general manager of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, has been named general manager of Team USA for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey it was announced today by USA Hockey. Lombardi has guided the Kings to a pair of Stanley Cup titles in the last four seasons and has served as part of the U.S. Men’s National Advisory Group since 2009.
In addition, Paul Holmgren (St. Paul, Minn.), president of Philadelphia Flyers, has been named assistant general manager; Brian Burke (Edina, Minn.), president of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames, senior advisor; and Jim Johannson (Colorado Springs, Colo.), assistant executive director of USA Hockey, director of hockey operations.
“We’re thrilled to have Dean at the helm of managing our World Cup team,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “He’s been an invaluable part of our men’s national team advisory group and obviously done a remarkable job in building the Kings. In addition, having the experience of Paul Holmgren, Brian Burke and Jim Johannson gives us an exceptional management team and a group we’re confident will put together a team that our country will be proud of.”
As a reminder, the World Cup of Hockey is an eight-team tournament which will include the six biggest hockey powers, a North American Youngstars team, and Team (rest of) Europe, which had better be captained by Anze Kopitar or SO HELP ME.
Anyway, Lombardi last served as an advisor for the 2014 Olympic team, where his most notable contribution was the “Yandle Manifesto.” Safe to say the Rangers’ defenseman will get a look at this squad.
Lombardi spoke at the announcement press conference this morning, and apparently, his speech was a doozy:
Dean has also referenced the Roman statesman Cincinnatus and given a mini-lecture on George Washington.
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) August 6, 2015
“Somewhere in the building was the spirit of Mike Eruzione.” Does somebody want to tell Dean that Mike isn’t dead.
— Adam Gretz (@AGretz) August 6, 2015
USA asst GM Paul Holmgren spoke after Dean: “I didn’t know I was going to get a history lesson when I came here.”
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) August 6, 2015
The bulk of America’s roster will be announced on or before March 1, 2016, with the final roster being announced on or before June 1, 2016.