Wild’s John Hynes to coach U.S. team at worlds

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — John Hynes of the Minnesota Wild has been named the coach of the 2024 U.S. men’s national team for next month’s IIHF men’s world championship in Czechia.

USA Hockey announced the appointment Friday for the event that will take place May 10-26. The games will be played in Prague and Ostrava.

Hynes, who also coached the national team in 2016 and 2019, finished his first season as coach of the NHL’s Wild this week, missing the playoffs. The 49-year-old has also been a head coach for the Nashville Predators and New Jersey Devils, and for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the AHL.

“We’re fortunate to have John leading our team,” said Brett Peterson, general manager of the 2024 U.S. men’s national team and the assistant general manager of the NHL’s Florida Panthers. “His passion and energy, coupled with his vast experience, including on the world stage, will certainly serve us well in our efforts to bring back gold to the United States.”

Hynes, who is from Warwick, Rhode Island, spent six seasons (2003-09) as a head coach for USA Hockey’s national team development program. Hynes played at Boston University and competed in four NCAA Frozen Fours, winning the championship in 1995.