Cowichan Valley Capitals bench boss Mike Vandekamp will make an appearance on the international scene this season.
Vandekamp, who is going into his second season as head coach of the Caps, was named an assistant coach for Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge in Dawson Creek this December.
Vandekamp will serve as an assistant under head coach Joe Martin of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, with Humboldt Broncos coach Scott Barney as the other assistant.
This will be Vandekamp’s first time coaching at the World Junior A Challenge after more than 20 years of coaching junior hockey.
Ottawa Jr. Senators coach Martin Dagenais will lead the Team Canada East bench, while Corey Beer (Timmins Rock, NOJHL) and Greg Leland (Campbelltown Tigers, MHL) will be his assistants.
“The coaches selected to lead Team Canada East and Team Canada West bring a combination of Junior A and international experience as players and coaches, and represent the level of talent in the coaching ranks in junior hockey in Canada,” said Brent Ladds, Canadian Junior Hockey League president. “It’s exciting to see our coaches moving into new roles with the two Canadian teams at the World Junior A Challenge, and to welcome coaches who are new to international competition.”