Boucher returns as Canada's coach for Spengler Cup, eyes return to NHL

TORONTO - Guy Boucher is back as Canada's coach for the Spengler Cup with his sights set on an NHL return in the not-too-distant future.

Boucher, who was recently fired as coach of HC Bern in the Swiss National League A, said his focus is currently on trying to win the Spengler Cup for Canada.

After that, though, Boucher could be back in the NHL.

Boucher took the Tampa Bay Lightning to the 2011 Eastern Conference final and was fired midway through the 2013 season.

The 44-year-old from Notre-Dame-du-Lac, Que., has turned down opportunities since for longer-term jobs in Europe because it was his intention to return to North America.

Boucher and his family are working on that now, balancing preparation for the Spengler Cup with trying to get back across the Atlantic to resume NHL work.

Rob Cookson, an assistant on Marc Crawford's staff with the Zurich Lions, will serve as Boucher's assistant coach for the Spengler Cup, which Canada hasn't won since 2012.