The 31-year-old, who has led the Queenstown team to three consecutive league titles, said the Ice Blacks position was a dream come true. Saying yes was also a "no-brainer" after a natter with his wife. Blanchette, originally from the United States, said it was an obvious step in his career.
"It is so exciting to be a part of the national team. I’ve been involved in hockey for at least 80% of my life. So to have something fresh, new and relatively foreign to me is so exciting.
"There aren’t too many industries you can be in for that long and have something new present itself to you."
The Queenstown team was crowned New Zealand Ice Hockey League champion again in August. Blanchette said it helped secure the role.
Vice-president of the New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation Andy Mills, who is also president of Queenstown Ice Hockey Club, pitched Blanchette’s style of coaching as one of the reasons behind the choice.
He described him as a "player’s player" and praised Blanchette’s work ethic.
"We are incredibly proud of what Adam has achieved over the last three years. This [role] is recognition of his success, hard work and dedication. As a former player he gels incredibly well with players."
Blanchette will work with head coach Anatoly Khorozov to prepare for the winter season. Queenstown players already named in the Ice Blacks squad are Adam Soffer, Aston Brookes, Callum Burns, Cameron Trew, Connor Harrison, Matt Schneider, Mitchell Frear and Stefan Amston.
