John Hynes Named Coach of USA for World Championships

Early Friday morning USA Hockey announced that Devils' coach John Hynes will be behind the bench for the upcoming World Championships in Russia this May. 

Hynes is no stranger to the United States hockey program. His notable stints with US hockey include a head coaching position for the US National Development Program from 2003 to 2009. Under Hynes, many United States stars got their start including New Jerseys' own Kyle Palmieri. Hynes is also no stranger to international success. As head coach with the USNDP he led the Men's U-18 team to 3 medals, including a gold in 2006.

Following his stint with the National Development Program, Hynes went on to coach the Pittsburgh Penguins' AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. His success in WBS caught the attention of Ray Shero, who hired him in Pittsburgh and brought him to coach New Jersey following Shero's take over to General Manager.

Through his first season in New Jersey, Hynes has garnered praise across the league for bringing the Devils into playoff contention in a season they were expected to be among the league worst. His level of intensity and preparation are cornerstones of his hockey knowledge and Jim Johannson, the assistant executive director of hockey operations for US hockey, took notice in the press release, claiming, "John's teams are always well prepared and his extensive knowledge of our player pool is a big benefit as well."

In addition to his role as head coach for the World Championships, Hynes will serve as an assistant coach in the World Cup of Hockey later in the summer.