Doug Armstrong steps down as general manager of Canada’s Olympic hockey team

CALGARY — Doug Armstrong will not return as general manager of Canada’s Olympic men’s hockey team.

He spent two years as the management group lead for the national men’s team at competitions like the world hockey championship, 4 Nations Face-Off and Milan Cortina Games.

Canada reached the Olympic final last month but dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to the United States.

Hockey Canada confirmed his departure in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.

“We thank Doug Armstrong for his many years of dedication, leadership and success with Hockey Canada’s men’s program,” said Scott Salmond, the organization’s senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations. “After his contract ended at the conclusion of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Doug informed us he will be focusing on his (GM) position with the St. Louis Blues, and we wish him and his family all the best moving forward.”

Armstrong, 61, was on the management staff for the Canadian team that won Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014, as well as the World Cup of Hockey in 2016.

He’s in his 16th season as GM of the Blues. Armstrong plans to turn over the job on July 1 to Alex Steen, who’s currently the special assistant to the GM.

Armstrong also serves as the Blues’ president of hockey operations. He’s under contract for three more years.

There was no immediate word on his successor with Hockey Canada.

The next edition of the Winter Olympics is scheduled for February 2030 in the French Alps.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 17, 2026.