Evans, the head coach and general manager of the Truro Bearcats, was announced as an associate coach for Canada East on Thursday during a press conference at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre.
“It’s an honour to represent this community I’ve been a part of for about 30 years,” said Evans.
Evans, 52, will join head coach Patrice Bosch and assistant coach Martin Dagenais behind the Canada East bench. Bosch coaches in the Quebec junior A league in Granby, while Dagenais is head coach and general manager of the Ottawa Junior Senators. Bearcats athletic therapist Steve Lindsay will be the equipment manager for Canada East.
“In my hockey life, I am always looking for new hockey experiences,” said Evans. “This is one that I’m starting to realize now; I am going to be very fortunate to be a part of.”
The tournament will be played Dec. 10 to 16 at the RECC.
Three pre-tournament games were also announced yesterday, including one between the hometown Bearcats and the Czech Republic on Dec. 8 at the RECC at 3:30 p.m.
“This is something we’ve been working on for quite some time,” said Dave Ritcey, local organizing committee chairman for the RECC.
Also on Dec. 8, Canada East will play the U.S. at the RECC at 7:30 p.m., while Canada West meets Russia at 7:30 p.m. at the Amherst Stadium.
“Anytime you have an opportunity to host the world anything, it’s not only an honour, it’s a privilege,” said Bill Schurman, director of recreation for Amherst.
“While we tend to waive the economic benefits for hosting such an event, they’re far reaching into the community. The pride, confidence will rub off not only on the Bearcats but also on the entire league, and for that we are very thankful.”
Tickets for all pre-tournament games in Truro are $10 each or $15 for both games and go on sale Dec. 1, at HockeyCanada.ca/tickets or at the RECC box office.
Switzerland will also compete at this year’s six-team tournament.
Since its inception in 2006, more than 230 NHL draft picks have played in the world junior A challenge, including 38 first-round selections.
