PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Named head coach of the United States men’s hockey team on July 28, Pens head coach Mike Sullivan is not shying away from expectations.
“Definitely the expectation is to win gold,” Sullivan said. “You look at the players that we have in the United States today. To me it’s as deep as it’s ever been. I think that’s a bold statement when you consider some of the great American-born players.”
“I think American hockey has come so far in the last 10, 15, 20 years. That’s a credit to all the volunteers across the country that dedicate their time to growing the game in all their respective communities. That’s where it starts. That’s where I started.”
The plan is to once again have NHL players on the rosters, which allows for Auston Matthews, Patrick Kane, Max Pacioretty, Kyle Conner to be a part of the games. Nothing though has been finalized, but it’s how Sullivan is moving forward.
“I’m going to operate on the premise that the NHL and the Olympic committee are going to work towards an agreement,” Sullivan said.
There would be some Penguins with an opportunity-Jake Guentzel (third highest American scorer in 2021), Bryan Rust (grit guy who can play bottom six with a scoring touch), Brian Dumoulin (glue defenseman who can be paired with elite talents).
Sullivan acknowledged some players on the current Pens roster that will be ‘a part of the process’. They will work on assembling Team USA like they do in the NHL. They are looking for players ‘that can bring certain aspects to the table that help a team win’.
He will be helping put a national team together while also working his full-time job. There is a lot on his plate there as well, trying to get the Pens back to playoff winning hockey.
“There is no doubt logistically this will be an added challenge, but it’s a challenge that I’m excited about,” Sullivan said. “It’s a challenge that I look forward to. I’m grateful because I know I’m surrounded on both sides, whether is the Olympic initiative or the Pittsburgh Penguins, that will help with the process.”
Sullivan saw it as an assistant in the 2006 Olympics and has an idea of what his ahead of him. There is also a lot of history in the organization from Herb Brooks, Craig Patrick and Dan Bylsma.
“The Penguins have had a lot of really, really good American coaches come through their organization,” Sullivan said. “Just to be a part of that fraternity is humbling. These guys are all such great coaches. They built such great legacies for themselves in the game. It certainly is a proud moment for me to be part of that fraternity.”
Sullivan is in the generation inspired by Brooks, Patrick and the Miracle on Ice. He said events like that ignite a passion for the game and it did with him. So much so it’s really hard for him to put this opportunity into words.
“There is something to be said to become a part of something that is bigger than yourself,” Sullivan said. “That’s what the Olympics represent. You are representing your nation first-and-foremost. We have a proud nation and we hold our values dear. We have a great opportunity here to build that legacy and carry on that tradition.”
“I get emotional when I think about it because it means so much to me.”