Jay Woodcroft
Jay Woodcroft is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former player, born in Toronto, Ontario, on August 11, 1976.
Jay Woodcroft is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former player. He was born in Toronto, Ontario, on August 11, 1976. He has coached in the NHL and AHL, including as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers from 2022 to 2023 and as an assistant coach of the Anaheim Ducks beginning in 2025.
Early life and playing career
Woodcroft was born in Toronto and played centre during his hockey career. He played collegiately at the University of Alabama–Huntsville before moving into professional hockey. He played professionally from 2000 to 2005.
Coaching career
Woodcroft began his coaching career in the NHL as a video coach. He later served as an assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks, and Edmonton Oilers. He became head coach of the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL before being promoted to head coach of the Edmonton Oilers in February 2022.
Edmonton Oilers tenure
Woodcroft coached the Oilers from 2022 to 2023 and led the club for parts of three NHL seasons. His Oilers record is 79 wins, 41 losses, and 13 overtime/shootout losses in 133 regular-season games.
Anaheim Ducks role
Woodcroft was named assistant coach of the Anaheim Ducks on July 1, 2025. The 2025–26 season is his first in that role.
International coaching
Woodcroft has coached internationally as an assistant coach for Canada at the 2015 IIHF World Championship, where the team won gold, and again at the 2024 tournament. He also served as an assistant coach for Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Key facts
- Woodcroft is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who became a coach after his playing career.
- He served as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL from 2022 to 2023.
- He joined the Anaheim Ducks as an assistant coach on July 1, 2025.
- Before becoming an NHL head coach, he coached the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL.
- He coached Canada at the 2015 IIHF World Championship, where the team won gold.
Woodcroft is Canadian, born in Toronto, and has represented Canada in international coaching roles, including a gold-medal run at the 2015 IIHF World Championship.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_WoodcroftSupports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, coaching timeline, Edmonton Oilers head-coach role.
- NHL.com (Anaheim Ducks) — https://www.nhl.com/ducks/team/jay-woodcroft-bioSupports: Current assistant coach role, date hired, Oilers record, international coaching, education.
- Hockey-Reference — https://hockey-reference.com/coaches/woodcja99c.htmlSupports: Born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; coaching record page.
- NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/jay-woodcroft-edmonton-coaching-status-334680882Supports: Oilers coaching status, prior assistant roles, Bakersfield Condors role, coaching history.
- Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/70060/jay-woodcroftSupports: Date of birth, birthplace, playing position, nationality, playing career status.