Read the full story on SportsLook - Japan Calls on Veteran NHL Coach Perry Pearn to Get Men's National Ice Hockey Team Up to Speed
Looking to emulate the progress made by the women's team, the Japan Ice Hockey Federation has hired a veteran National Hockey League coach to help the men's national squad move up in the rankings.
As the host nation, both Japan's men's and women's teams took part in the 1998 Nagano Olympics, where it was hoped appearing on such a large stage would give the sport a boost in Japan.
The Japanese men, under Canadian coach Dave King, had two losses and a draw in the preliminary round. Then, before a capacity crowd of 9,495 at the Big Hat arena, they beat Austria 4-3 in the consolation round.
It was a significant accomplishment. While not a top-tier nation, Austria had a decent hockey program at the time and was in the group of teams just below the elite division.
The women went 0-5 in the preliminary round with their best result being a 5-0 loss to Sweden.
It was hoped both the men and women would build on the Nagano experience. But that's only been the case for the women's team, which has risen all the way to seventh in the IIHF rankings.
Known as "Smile Japan," the women's team has found a winning formula. The men, currently 25th in the world rankings, are still looking for one.
The New Head Coach
In order to take the next step, Japanese ice officials named veteran former NHL coach Perry Pearn as head coach of the national senior and junior men's teams in November of 2022. And the move is already paying off.
"I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead the Japan national team," Pearn said in a statement after the announcement was made.
Junior Squad's Successful Debut Under Pearn
One of Pearn's first assignments was guiding Japan's Under-20 team at the 2023 IIHF U20 World Championship Division 1 Group B tournament in Bytom, Poland in December.
And the team came through with a stunning 7-4 win over Ukraine to take the gold medal and secure a place in next season's Division 1A competition.
Such wins are hugely important to the overall men's program. The players on the U20 team are the future stars of the senior team.
Pearn attributed Japan's success in Poland to the team's quickness.
"We're not a big team but our speed and quickness is really noticeable," Pearn told the IIHF website.
He added, "We're much better skaters overall than most of the teams in the tournament."
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Author: Jim Armstrong
The author is a longtime journalist who has covered sports in Japan for over 25 years. You can find his articles on SportsLook.
