Former Canucks assistant coach Nolan Baumgartner named Team Canada head coach for 2022 U18 Worlds

Drafted 10th overall by the Washington Capitals in 1994, Baumgartner only suited up for 19 games for the team at the start of his lengthy playing career. The big right-handed defenceman eventually ended up joining the Canucks organization in 2002 and ended up playing 101 of his 147 total NHL games (regular season + playoffs) with Vancouver.

Along the way, Baumgartner emerged as a top-end American Hockey League player with the Manitoba Moose (then the Canucks’ affiliate). He served as team captain and helped lead the Moose to the 2009 Calder Cup Final, where they lost to the Hershey Bears in six games.

Baumgartner’s only full NHL season came in Vancouver. In 70 games with the Canucks in 2005–06, the 6’1″ rearguard amassed five goals and 34 points; he only appeared in 26 further NHL contests over the rest of his career.

Kori Cheverie, Todd Miller, David Struch, and David Struchalong will serve as assistant coaches under Baumgartner in Germany. The 2022 IIHF U18 World Championship will take place in the German cities of Landshut and Kaufbeuren between April 23 and May 1.