The American first took charge in 2011 and has presided over a successful period for the nation in the sport, which included triumphing at last year’s International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships A-Pool in Buffalo.

He has also led the team to victories in the 2012 and 2015 World Sledge Hockey Challenge competitions, as well as gold at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi.

The victory in Sochi proved a tight one, with the American team beating the hosts Russia 1-0 in the gold medal match.

"Jeff has done a tremendous job in developing our players and guiding the US National Sled Hockey Team to unprecedented success," said Dan Brennan, general manager of the United States’ national sled hockey team for the forthcoming season.

"His record speaks for itself and we look forward to another season with him behind Team USA's bench."

Sauer will be supported by athletic trainer Mike Cortese, equipment manager Joel Isaacson and Mike Uihlein, the team physician.

The trio have worked as part of the head coach’s team for the last four years.

"It's been an honour to represent the United States with this group of outstanding hockey players," said Sauer.

"Our success is a result of their commitment to one another and I look forward to once again serving as the head coach of the US National Sled Hockey Team."

A total of 60 players are trying out to be part of this season’s squad, with the trials drawing to a close tomorrow at the Northtown Center, New York.

Sixteen of the players were part of last year’s squad.