World Cup: Canada tabs Blake; Lombardi USA’s GM?

Hockey Canada announced Monday that Kings assistant general manager Rob Blake will serve as an assistant to Hockey Canada general manager Doug Armstrong (St. Louis GM) for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, which will be played in Toronto between September 17 and October 1, 2016. Other assistants under Armstrong include Marc Bergevin (Montreal GM), Ken Holland (Detroit GM), Bob Murray (Anaheim GM) and Scott Salmond (Hockey Canada VP of hockey operations and national teams).

Blake, a 2014 inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame, previously served in international management capacities as Canada’s general manager at the 2014 World Championships and assistant general manager at the 2011 World Championship. He won gold medals at the 2002 Winter Olympics and the 1994 and 1997 World Championship.

Blake’s appointment continues to underscore the respect generated by the figure who Dean Lombardi said is “going to be a star someday” in an executive position.

Meanwhile, speaking of Lombardi…

BTW, it is believed that LA GM Dean Lombardi will lead Team USA.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 22, 2015

Management teams will now set out to fill out coaching staffs.

No guarantee that Babcock returns as Canada coach. He'll be part of discussion but Quenneville, Vigneault, will be among other names in mix

— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 22, 2015

John Hoven, meanwhile, believes Todd Richards will get a look to lead the United States. Fresh off leading an underdog American squad to a bronze medal at the World Championship this year, his appointment seems to be a good bet.

The tournament, won in 1996 by the United States and 2004 by Canada, will return in 2016 with a modified format. In addition to the United States, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia and Sweden’s participation, a “Team Europe” comprised of players from European countries outside of participating nations and an under-23 American and Canadian collection of “North American Youngstars” will also participate in the tournament, which is scheduled to be held once every four years. Via Hockey Canada’s release today, the NHL and NHLPA will jointly name the management groups that will select players for the hybrid teams. North American players 23 and under will be available exclusively to the Youngstars team.

All teams will be comprised of 20 skaters and three goalies; teams must announce at least 16 members of the team, including at least two goalies, by March 1, 2016. The remaining roster spots will be announced no later than June 1, 2016.