Mike Sullivan is getting his chance.
The Penguins coach was named Team USA’s coach four years ago, but schedule changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic made that impossible. The two-time Stanley Cup champion will lead Team USA to the 2026 Olympics and the 2025 Quadrant Tournament.
Team USA general manager Bill Guerin worked with Sullivan for many years in Pittsburgh and has developed a strong bond with him.
“I’m excited to have Mike lead our team,” Guerin said. “He is one of the best coaches in the game, and his background, including experience in international hockey, is well suited to put our team in the best position to win.”
Mike Sullivan has been named head coach of Team USA in the 2025 Quad National Championship and the 2026 U.S. Olympic men’s ice hockey team.
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— USA Hockey (@usahockey) May 18, 2024
Sullivan, 56, was an assistant coach at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and has coached the U.S. team on numerous other international occasions. He has coached the Penguins since December 2015 and led them to championships in 2016 and 2017.
He has drawn criticism from some in Pittsburgh’s fan base due to the team’s recent woes, but the Penguins have not made the playoffs in either of the past two seasons and have not won a postseason series since 2018. He hasn’t, but he’s staying. Highly regarded in NHL circles.
Sullivan, a native of Marshfield, Massachusetts, was eager to coach Team USA the last time such an opportunity was presented to him, and it’s no wonder he was chosen to coach the team.
Why Sullivan makes sense
He has a lot of respect around the NHL, especially among the star players. Sullivan is one of the most successful coaches in recent NHL history and has extensive experience coaching in international tournaments. He is well known for his excellent communication skills, a skill that seems especially important in such a short tournament.
No one knows more about the competition in these tournaments than Sullivan. Canada is Team USA’s biggest rival, and the Canadian captain is believed to be Sidney Crosby, whom Sullivan has coached for nearly a decade. Other big names for the Penguins could play in these tournaments, and Sullivan could get another chance to coach American Jake Guentzel, who the Penguins recently traded to Carolina.
Will he be with the Penguins when the tournament starts?
probably. Sullivan has three years left on his contract and, of course, has strong backing from Crosby, President of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas and the owner of Fenway Sports Group.
Still, there will be unprecedented pressure on Sullivan this season, as the Penguins have only missed the playoffs in three consecutive seasons once in the last 35 years.
What are the chances of Team USA?
Very good. Team USA will be one of the favorites to win this tournament. They have Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, Jeremy Swayman and Thatcher Demko at the goaltender position.
It’s piled up everywhere. Consider star power. Auston Matthews, Jack Hughes, Jack Eichel and Tage Thompson could play in midfield, with Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk, Kyle Connor, Quinn Hughes, Adam Fox, Charlie McAvoy (Sullivan) potential teammate, such as his son). in law).
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(Photo: James Guillory/USA Today)
