PATS’ STRUCH SELECTED BY HOCKEY CANADA

Regina, Saskatchewan – Hockey Canada revealed its coaching staffs for Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team and the National Under-17 Teams today.  Regina Pats Assistant Coach and Assistant GM Dave Struch serves as an assistant coach with Team Canada Black alongside Head Coach Paul Boutilier (Saint John, QMJHL) and Assistant Coach Chris Dennis (York University, OUA).  The 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge takes place in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario running October 30 until November 5.

“I’m excited and privileged to work with Hockey Canada and the under-17 program this year,” said Dave Struch.  “Any time you can be a part of a national team it’s an incredible opportunity.”

Struch previously served as a guest coach for the under-18 program at the 2015 Hockey Canada National Teams’ Summer Showcase last July.  He enters his third season with the Regina Pats in 2016-17.  Since the Pats brought Head Coach and GM John Paddock on board along with Struch, the Pats have compiled a record of 73-52-8-11 while reaching the second round of the WHL Playoffs in both seasons.  Prior to joining the Pats, Struch was an assistant coach with the Saskatoon Blades for seven years before taking on the head coach role in the 2013-14 season.

Struch’s first duties with the national program will be Hockey Canada’s National Teams’ Summer Showcase held July 26 to August 2 at the Markin MacPhail Centre at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park in Calgary.  Players selected for the camp will be announced in the coming weeks for Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team selection camp and Canada’s national under-17 development camp.

Regina Pats alumni Jamie Heward will also participate in the Under-17 Hockey Challenge as an assistant coach with Team Canada White.  Heward currently serves as an assistant coach with the Swift Current Broncos.