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USA Hockey Taps Don Granato to Lead 2026 World Championship Team

The hire signals a push to defend the 2025 world title in Switzerland.

Overview

  • USA Hockey, which announced the hire Wednesday, named veteran coach Don Granato head coach for the May 15–31 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland.
  • General manager Brett Peterson praised Granato’s depth of international work and NHL experience, saying he knows what it takes to win.
  • Granato said he feels honored to lead the team and aims to build a group that can compete for gold.
  • The U.S. plays Germany in a May 10 tune-up, then opens against host Switzerland on May 15 in Zurich’s Swiss Life Arena.
  • The roster is expected in early May after the first round of the NHL playoffs, with the Americans entering as defending champions after ending a title drought in 2025.