Blue Jackets’ Dean Evason chosen as Canada’s coach for world championships

COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 1: Head coach Dean Evason of the Columbus Blue Jackets arrives the NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium on March 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/NHLI via Getty Images)

by: Orri Benatar

Posted: Apr 30, 2025 / 12:47 PM EDT

Updated: Apr 30, 2025 / 12:49 PM EDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason will be heading to Europe to coach for his country in the biggest annual international hockey tournament.

The team announced Wednesday that Evason has been chosen to be the head coach for Team Canada at the IIHF World Championships, which begin May 9. Joining Evason on his coaching staff is Blue Jackets assistant coach Steve McCarthy.

“It’s always a tremendous honor to represent Canada and I am humbled and grateful to have this opportunity,” said Evason. “I’m looking forward to working with Steve McCarthy and the rest of our coaching staff and players to do everything we can to win a gold medal in one of hockey’s most prestigious tournaments.”

Evason is fresh off his first season as the Blue Jackets head coach, nearly leading Columbus to its first playoff appearance since the 2019-20 season. The 60-year-old from Manitoba served as Canada’s assistant coach at last year’s world championships in Czechia, where the Canucks finished fourth.

He has also represented Canada as a player, helping lead the team to the 1997 world championship in Finland.

The 2025 IIHF World Championships are being held in Stockholm, Sweden at the Avicii Arena and the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, Denmark. Canada will play each of its seven group matches in Stockholm, beginning with a May 10 game against Slovenia. The tournament ends on May 25.