Tortorella to coach at Worlds

So, as we read in today's paper, Lightning coach John Tortorella has been chosen by USA Hockey to coach in this year's World Championships in Canada. Word is he is bringing associate coach Mike Sullivan with him.

Double-edged sword, here. It's a nice honor to have that on your resume, but it also means your team is not going to the NHL playoffs, since the tournament in Halifax and Quebec begins May 2.

Be that as it may, seems Torts and USA Hockey are on the same page when it comes to their vision for the panel. Torts talked to the organization and it's four-GM panel about stocking the team with younger, hungrier players than the older players that have been a signature of USA teams in the past. That is a good thing. That is the kind of team from which Torts can get the most.

This also is kind of an audition for Torts, who is a leading candidate to coach the United States at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

USA Hockey declined to comment, pending a soon-to-be-made announcement, and the Lightning would not comment in deference to USA Hockey's process. But an announcement is to be made soon.

Imagine the scene if the United States knocks Russia out of the semifinals. Torts at his postgame press conference. "It looks good on 'em,'' he will say. "I never liked that organization.''

Those of you who recall his statements after the recent Panthers game will get that. For the rest: it's a joke.

It will be Tortorella's first head coaching gig internationally, having been an associate to Peter Laviolette at the 2005 World Championships in Austria. Sullivan was an associate under Laviolette at the 2006 Turin Olympics and the head coach at the 2007 World Championships in Russia.

Comments

[Herb]

Team USA is doomed with a schmuck like Torts as the head coach. Ron Wilson is a better choice. After all he did win the World championship in 1996 with Team USA.

[leo]

This is just great. I couldn't have planned this better. A coach you want run out of town to lead your country. Brilliant.
Hey Troy, I think the parallel you're drawing up could be a bit faulty. They don't call it the Miracle on Ice for nothing. That was a Miracle. If you make the semis this year, it'll be Another Miracle. Czech Republic? Sweden? Finland? Russia? Not to mention the Masters of hockey? I don't know, man...
But bottom line, I think Tortie is good coach until his shtick dries up. A 2-3 week tournament would be ideal for his coaching style, I think.
Will he have players from the Bolts on the USA squad?
Besides Tortorella, who else would you nominate?
Is it a good choice if there's NO choice?
BBR

[JoeG]

Good for Torts.He's such a good coach I'm sure...HAHAHAHA.. Oh, I'm sorry ,I tried to say that with a strait face but the thought of him coaching just makes me laugh.

[matt]

Well, good for Tortorella. But he still HAS TO BE FIRED!!!!!! As does FEASTER!!!! His coaching and stlye of play have gone stale here in TPA. Dungy's stlye got old around this town as well. It sure would be nice to hear local sports guys talking about the same thing. Every single print and radio guy in this town seem to cater to Torts and the Bolts. It's a joke!!!! When Dungy was fired(after taking his team to how many playoffs?) their was an article or a conversation every day about the pros and cons of the firing. How about someone actually give a reason why they(Torts and Feaster) shouldn't be fired, without bringing up the ownership situation.

WHERE IS THE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THE COACH AND GM?

Torts likes to rag on his players to the media constantly, I would love for the players to show him the same lack of class and respect he shows them. Prospal had the stones to do it, all it would take is for Vinny or Marty to do the same and Torts would be bye bye.

[74]

It will be interesting. You could blame the Bolts lack of depth on Jay Feaster, but personally, I blame all the 3rd period meltdowns on the coach. He refused to change his system to better suit his team’s talents, or lack of, until midway through the season wasting a year and a half. He totally exhausted his "core" guys leaving the team wounded in 3rd periods. Tort’s called out his player’s nightly and deflected criticism and responsibility, all the while having the mouth of a drunken sailor. Or was it just a really bad season?

[karma]

This is bound to bring out all of the Torts haters with their myopic view of the state of the Lightning.
We're lucky to have Torts as a coach. Not so sure about Sullivan, however.

[TroyB]

I have no problem with Torts coaching USA Hockey. I think it is great. It's about time USA Hockey gets serious.

I am sure that every member of the 1980 Olympic team thanks Herb Brooks and his tough coaching style for their life changing event.

[keith]

Hate to sound negative, but there really cant be many more US NHL coaches who are not working with their clubs during the play offs! None the less a nice honor for the guy. Congrats. Hope he keeps his yap shut!