Vancouver, B.C. – The Vancouver Canucks announced today that Head Coach Willie Desjardins underwent successful surgery to address an acute flare up of his preexisting hip condition. Although he will not be in attendance for the Young Stars tournament and Training Camp, Desjardins is expected to be back behind the Canucks bench by opening night.

"Willie has been dealing with the chronic discomfort for a long time and our medical staff has been monitoring it since he joined us last year. Unfortunately his hip deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks and it required immediate attention," said General Manager Jim Benning. "Willie's expected to recover quickly and will be connected every day until he's ready to be back in person."

Coaching duties for Penticton's Young Stars tournament will be led as usual by Utica Comets' Head Coach Travis Green. Training Camp and some pre-season duties will be shared by Canucks Assistant Coaches Doug Lidster, Glen Gulutzan and Perry Pearn.