Sauer named head coach of 2016 US sledge hockey team

USA Hockey have announced that Jeff Sauer will serve as head coach of the 2015-16 US National Sled Hockey Team.

Last season, Sauer led Team USA to an undefeated 12-1-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record that culminated with a gold medal at the 2015 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships in Buffalo, New York, USA.

He also served as head coach of the triumphant team that claimed gold at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

"Jeff has been instrumental in the success of the US National Sled Hockey Team over the last several seasons," said Dan Brennan, director of inline and ice sledge hockey for USA Hockey, who will also serve as general manager of the 2015-16 US National Sled Hockey Team. "He has played an important role not only in the development of our players, but the sport as a whole, and we look forward to another season with him behind the bench."

"It is an honour to continue with this outstanding group of hockey players," said Sauer. "With our success in the past, each season brings new challenges and expectations. I look forward to our programme's continued development and success."

Since taking the helm in 2011, Sauer has guided Team USA to a 41-3-1-11 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record that includes reaching the Championship game of every major international competition and titles in five major international events, including the 2012 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships in Hamar, Norway; the 2012 World Sled Hockey Challenge in Calgary, Canada; Sochi 2014; the 2015 World Sled Hockey Challenge in Leduc, Canada; and Buffalo 2015.

At the same time as announcing Sauer would continue, USA Hockey published its support staff for the 2015-16 US National Sled Hockey Team, including athletic trainer Mike Cortese, equipment manager Joel Isaacson, and team physician Mike Uihlein. Cortese, Isaacson, and Uihlein have been staff members for the past three seasons.

Tryouts for the 2015-16 US National Sled Hockey Team will take place on 12-13 July at Northtown Centre in Williamsville, New York, USA.

Sixty-five players, including all 17 members of the 2015 team, are expected to try out for the national team. The players will be divided into four teams and play two scrimmages per day.

The 2015-16 rosters will be announced on 17 July.