Former New York Rangers captain Chris Drury has been named general manager of the U.S. men’s national hockey team for the upcoming World Championship.
Drury, in his third season as the Rangers assistant GM, joins an advisory group led by John Vanbiesbrouck and includes current NHL GMs David Poile, Don Waddell, Ray Shero, Dale Tallon, Jeff Gorton, Stan Bowman and Paul Fenton.
“We’re really happy to have Chris serving as general manager of our team,” Vanbiesbrouck said in a statement. “He knows what it takes to succeed at the international level, and working with our men’s national team advisory group, which brings vast experience, success and passion to the table, we have a tremendous group in place to build our team.”
Drury played 12 seasons in the NHL and was captain of the Rangers between 2008 and 2011 after winning a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001. The former Calder Trophy winner has represented the U.S. on numerous occasions, including three Olympic Games, winning silver in 2002 and 2010, three World Championships (bronze in 2004), one World Cup of Hockey and one World Junior Championship. He was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.
“I’m honoured to be asked and am excited about the challenge ahead,” said Drury. “Our player pool continues to get deeper in the U.S. and I look forward to working with the men’s national team advisory group in putting together a roster that can compete for a gold medal.”
The U.S. kicks off the World Championship in Slovakia with a pre-tournament game against Germany on May 7.
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