USA Hockey announced that Eric Rud has been named the head coach of the 2022 World Junior A Challenge team, which will compete in the tournament in Cornwall, Ont. from Dec. 11-18.
Rud is in his first season as head coach of the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) after he joined the program this summer. Prior to Sioux Falls, he was an associate head coach at Miami. The coaching staff will also include Evan Dixon, associate head coach of the Dubuque Fighting Saints; Mike Leone, head coach of the Green Bay Gamblers, and Matt Smaby, head coach of the Waterloo Blackhawks.
“It’s great to have Eric leading our team and the vast experience he brings,” said Marc Boxer, general manager of the 2023 U.S. Junior Select Team and director of junior hockey at USA Hockey. “And we’re also fortunate to have a terrific group of assistant coaches and support staff in place. We’re excited about the prospects for our team and look forward to competing for a championship.”
The roster will be comprised of players exclusively from the USHL. The roster will be announced in late November.
“We are thrilled for Eric,” said Stampede President Jim Olander. “His knowledge of the game and years of experience in coaching makes him a perfect fit. We know the kids that are selected will love playing for him and we can’t wait to see him work with his staff to put together a winning club for the tournament.”
