Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma is expected to be named the head coach of Team USA for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, according to a report from Kevin Allen of USA Today.
Sochi Olympics 2014: Dan Bylsma to coach Team USA, according to report
USA Hockey is expected to name Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma to the same position for Team USA at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Citing two sources, Allen has learned that Team USA will be managed by David Poile, who acts in the same capacity with the Nashville Predators. Poille plans to round out his staff with Pittsburgh manager Ray Shero acting as his associate manager and Anaheim Ducks consultant Brian Burke acting as the director of player development.
In addition, Florida Panthers manager Dale Tallon, Los Angeles Kings manager Dean Lombardi, Philadelphia Flyers manager Paul Holmgren, Pittsburgh scout Don Waddell and USA Hockey senior director of hockey operations Jim Johannson are expected to aide in the team selection process.
It is expected that the management team will officially name Bylsma as head coach on Saturday afternoon in New York.
Allen writes that Philadelphia head coach Peter Laviolette and Vancouver Canucks coach John Tortorella were finalists considered for the position. Given that Laviolette coached the team in 2006, it is believed that USA Hockey wanted to give someone new a chance. Allen indicates that Tortorella's poor public perception ruined his chances of getting the job.
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