Steve Yzerman named Team Canada executive director for 2014 Olympics

Posted Mar 5, 2012 by Erik Erlendsson

Updated Mar 5, 2012 at 07:12 PM

After leading the 2010 Canadian Olympic team to a gold medal as executive director, Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman will return to the same role for he 2014 games scheduled to take place in Sochi, Russia. The announcement was made by Hockey Canada on Monday.

“The opportunity to work for Hockey Canada again is something I’m really excited about,” Yzerman said during the announcement.

In selecting the 2010 team, Yzerman was able to devote most of his time to the project as an assistant vice president with the Detroit Red Wings at the time. This time he will have to find time for his duties with Team Canada as well as keeping his focus on the Lightning, something Tampa Bay owner Jeff Vinik is not concerned about.

“Steve’s successes for Hockey Canada in 2010 helped draw us to him in our search for a General Manager that spring and I am confident that he will continue to do an excellent job for Tampa Bay while overseeing the Canadian men’s national program,’’ Vinik said in a statement released by the team. “I believe his selection is well deserved and all of us at the Lightning are proud to have our General Manager leading the charge for his home country in the 2014 Olympic Games.’’