A new task for Meran's coach

Jarrod Skalde has just extended his contract with HC Meran. Now there is another honorable task for the Canadian, which begins at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Bolzano at the end of the month.

09 April 2024

From: fop

Jarrod Skalde is now the new national coach of Japan. The former NHL player, who was also active in the Land of the Rising Sun at the end of his playing career, was officially introduced at a press conference on Tuesday. The 53-year-old signed his new working paper in Munich.

Skalde will complete the final World Cup preparations with Japan in the Neumarkt WürthArena. In the title fights in Bolzano (April 28th to May 4th), Japan will face Italy's selection team on the second match day.

World Cup preparation in South Tyrol

“I’m already looking forward to the World Cup game against Italy in Bolzano,” said HC Meran President Stefan Kobler on the club’s channels: “Having a national coach in our ranks is something special and something we are very proud of.” It was only on Sunday that Meran announced the extension of the contract with the Canadian.

Skalde's commitment as national coach is not limited to the World Cup in his adopted homeland, but should accompany Japan until the 2026 Olympic Games. After the tournament in Bolzano, Skalde will initially focus on HC Meran again and will push ahead with squad planning there with the sports management.