Due to Bob Corkum’s sudden decision of stepping down while citing COVID-19 concerns, Assistant coach Joel Johnson is taking over the United States Women’s national hockey team. Corkum is a former NHL player and assistant coach who coached the U.S. team to its fifth consecutive world title in 2019. The tournament was cancelled last year due to coronavirus pandemic. Corkum worte that ‘ I was not comfortable with the protocols ‘ in a text and sent it to The Associated Press on Saturday without specifying his concerns while there is only two weeks left for world championship in Canada. He also mentioned that ‘It was a difficult decision to make, but one that I am peace with. The team will not miss a beat. They are in great hands’ referring to Johnson and his assistants. Corkum reached his decision on Friday as he and players gathered in Maine for the start of training camp in Nova Scotia, which run from May 6 – 16.
USA Hockey’s director of women’s national team program Katie Million said that “While he’s stepping away, he’ll always be a big part of the USA Hockey family and we’ll certainly miss him and we’ll be grateful for him” Corkum in his LinkedIn account questioned the value of wearing masks and Canada’s coronavirus pandemic support plans in his post. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the post by announcing a program to boost funding for vaccines, health care and for municipalities. Johnson served as Corkum’s assistant and previously coached the U.S. under – 18 and under -22 teams.
He is currently the associate coach and completed his 16th season with the University of Minnesota’s women’s team. “We are extremely fortunate to have someone like Joel to step in and guide our team, and He’s been an important part of our program and is well-positioned to help build on the success we’ve enjoyed ” Said Million.