Chicago Blackhawks officially hire USA Gold Medalist coach
Photo credit: AHL
The Chicago Blackhawks organization has officially hired one of the members of Team USA's coaching staff who just won the Gold at the World Championships.
Over the weekend, Team USA brought the Gold back to America for the first time since 1933, in a historic and dramatic event.
The victory was marked by Johnny Gaudreau, who was honored by the team members, including former Columbus Blue Jackets teammate Zach Werenski and head coach David Warsofsky.
If you missed it, here's how it went down:
In a new development, Frank Seravalli revealed that a member of the coaching staff was hired by the Blackhawks.
Blackhawks Hire Team USA Assistant Coach Mike Vellucci
Mike Vellucci, who was the Pittsburgh Penguins' assistant coach, is joining Michael Peca on Jeff Blashill's coaching staff, per Frank Seravalli:
"Fresh off helping Team USA to first gold medal in 92 years at #MensWorlds, sounds like Mike Vellucci is closing in on a deal with #Blackhawks to join Jeff Blashill's staff.
Vellucci had multiple opportunities and interviewed for head coach role(s) in this cycle."
Vellucci had multiple opportunities and interviewed for head coach role(s) in this cycle."
Vellucci worked under Mike Sullivan for the past five years. After missing the playoffs in his last three seasons, he decided a change was needed.
His experience in coaching Sidney Crosby will surely come in handy with Connor Bedard. Even if it was at a different stage of the player's career, he saw from up close what needed to be done to reach Crosby's level.
Prior to that, Vellucci led the Charlotte Checkers to a Calder Cup in 2019. He also competed in the Memorial Cup with the Plymouth Whalers in 2007, after winning the OHL championship.
Under a brand-new coaching staff, changes on the ice are expected to be noticeable as soon as the first game, but adjustments will be made all year as players learn the full gamebook and develop into full-time NHLers.
| POLL | ||
MAI 28 | 244 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks officially hire USA Gold Medalist coach Do you like the Chicago Blackhawks' new coaching staff? | ||
| Yes | 167 | 68.4 % |
| No | 77 | 31.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
