M. HOCKEY | For the third time in his career — and the first time in eight years — Yale men’s hockey head coach Keith Allain ’80 will lead the U.S. National Junior Team at the World Junior Championships this coming winter.

Expectations will be high for the team, which won the title last year after a 6–5 overtime victory against Canada. When Allain coached the national team in 2001 and 2002, the U.S. went a combined 9–3–2, finishing in fifth both years.

The tournament will take place from Dec. 26, 2010 to Jan. 5, 2011 in Buffalo, N.Y.

“It is a great honor to be chosen to coach this team,” Allain said in a press release. “Every time you get to represent your country, it’s a terrific experience. The chance to do so in front of our home fans will make this occasion even more special.”

Junior hockey teams consist of players who are younger than 20 years old.