If the 2021 World Juniors are, in fact, played, Team Russia is going to have The Professor behind their bench.
Igor Larionov, one of the top Russian hockey players of all-time, was officially named coach of the Junior National team, per the IIHF.
Larionov was the assistant coach behind Valeri Bragin at the 2020 World Juniors, but was promoted to the KHL's SKA St. Petersburg as head coach. The Russians took home silver after blowing a lead to Canada in the gold medal game, falling 4-3.
“This appointment is a great honour for me,” said Larionov. “The task of replacing a coach such as Valeri Bragin, who headed the U20 national team for many years, is very difficult. I wish Valeri Nikolayevich [Bragin] good luck as head coach of the men’s national team.
“A difficult task gives me additional energy. We have many good players who are on the radar of the U20 national team. I see that our team has very big potential. I have gained tremendous experience in the past World Juniors, I am optimistic about entering a new position and want to help our hockey become a leader on the world stage.”
Larionov is part of the elite "Triple Gold" club, where he won four World Championships, two Olympic Golds, and two Stanley Cups.
Bragin will also coach the Russian National Team at the 2021 World Championship. He's been with the Russian World Junior team for the last eight tournaments and won gold in 2011.
Former NHL goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin will serve as the goalie coach under Larionov.
