University of Minnesota Athletics
Johnson to Lead U.S. Women’s National Team
4/16/2021 7:46:00 PM | Women's Hockey
University of Minnesota associate head coach Joel Johnson has been named interim head coach of the U.S Women's National Team.
MINNEAPOLIS -- University of Minnesota women's hockey associate head coach Joel Johnson has been named interim head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team, USA Hockey announced Friday evening. Johnson has more than two decades of coaching experience and has been involved with the U.S. Women's National Team Program since 2015.
Bob Corkum, who served as head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team since the 2018-19 season, has stepped down from his role.
"Bob put his heart and soul into continuing to build on the legacy of our women's national team program over the past three seasons and we're grateful for all he did," said Katie Million, director of women's national team programs for USA Hockey. "While he's stepping away, he'll always be a big part of the USA Hockey family and we'll certainly miss him.
"We are extremely fortunate to have someone like Joel to step in and guide our team at the world championship. He's been an important part of our program and is well positioned to help build on the success we've enjoyed."
Johnson will serve as Team USA's bench boss as the U.S. seeks a sixth-straight gold medal at the International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championship. The tournament runs May 6-16, in Halifax and Turo, Nova Scotia. The U.S. begins its training camp ahead of the 2021 IIHF Women's World Championship tomorrow (April 17) in Portland, Maine.
Joining Johnson as part of the U.S. coaching staff are assistant coaches Brian Pothier, Allison Coomey, and goaltending coach Alli Altmann.
ABOUT JOHNSON
Johnson has been a long-time contributor to the U.S. women's program, including guiding the U.S. Under-18 Women's National Team to four straight gold medals (2015-18) as head coach at the International Ice Hockey Federation U18 Women's World Championship.
In the 2017-18 season, Johnson served as head coach of the U.S. Under-22 Women's Select Team at the 2018 U22 Series vs. Canada in Calgary and led Team USA to a three-game sweep.
He made his debut with the U.S. Women's National Team as an assistant coach in 2018-19 and helped guide the U.S. to its fourth straight Women's Four Nations Cup that season, as well as the gold medal at the 2019 IIHF Women's World Championship in Espoo, Finland.
Johnson finished his 16th season on the University of Minnesota bench as associate head coach in 2020-21. He has helped guide the Golden Gophers to six national titles (2000, 2004, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016). Prior to his time at Minnesota, he spent six seasons (2004-10) coaching at Bethel University.
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