The United States Olympic Team has found their new head coach in Tony Granato who was an assistant to the squad at the 2014 games. The former NHL player, who spent 13 seasons in the league with the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks, shifted his focus to coaching in 2002-03 with the Colorado Avalanche as an assistant. Later on in the season he was named head coach.
Granato was a part of the Avalanche coaching staff for six years before moving to Pittsburgh, where he would spend the next five. Granato also went on to spend two years with the Detroit Red Wings before finally moving to the NCAA level at the University of Wisconsin in 2016-17. That year was Tony’s first as a head coach with Wisconsin, and when the season was finished, he earned Coach of the Year with the Badgers.
Great choice by @usahockey. Congrats to @TonyGranato, Chris Chelios (Asst. Coach) and Jim Johannson (GM). #Badgershttps://t.co/UY9yhLI4fq pic.twitter.com/YfmQg8c5rY
— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) August 4, 2017
Tony Granato Named Head Coach of U.S.A. Olympic Team
Team U.S.A. has changed their entire core of coaching for the 2018 games. Tournaments of years past usually consisted of NHL coaches and assistant coaches. This time, with the NHL not partaking in the games, the United States had to adjust. They also bring aboard Keith Allain, Ron Rolston, Scott Young, and former NHL player Chris Chelios as assistants to Granato.
2018 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team Management, Coaching Staff Named: https://t.co/amjVJjL4eG pic.twitter.com/pIEge5RM73
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) August 4, 2017
It is expected that the United States will form their roster around players that are playing overseas, and even in the NCAA and college level. This is why Granato was chosen. He had an excellent first year in the NCAA where he earned a 20-15-1 record, but unfortunately missed the playoffs. But to still come into a new league, especially division one of the NCAA and put up a winning record is a great feat for Granato. His success and experience working with college players is why he has been moved up from a U.S. assistant in 2014 to head coach for 2018.
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