Joe Thornton returning as co-GM for Canada’s Spengler Cup team

Joe Thornton and Brad Pascall are back as co-general managers for Team Canada at the Spengler Cup.

Hockey Canada announced Thursday the pair will assemble their roster for the tournament taking place Dec. 26-31 in Davos, Switzerland.

Hnat Domenichelli also returns as assistant general manager.

“Brad, Joe and Hnat brought tremendous leadership and experience to our group last year and we are thrilled to have them return and build upon last season,” Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada’s senior vice president of high performance and hockey operations, said in a statement. “Each bring their own knowledge having represented Canada on multiple occasions and in varying roles.

“They know what it takes to win in short-term competition and we know they will assemble a team that will proudly wear the Maple Leaf in its quest to win the Spengler Cup.”

Canada lost to Czechia’s HC Dynamo Pardubice 4-3 in last year’s semifinals.

Thornton played 1,714 games in the NHL and recorded 1,539 points (430 goals and 1,109 assists) over 24 seasons with the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. The Sharks retired Thornton’s No. 23 jersey last month.

He also played with Davos on three occasions and competed in the Spengler Cup with the club twice, winning the title in 2004.