Ryan Suter and Patrick Kane have been named alternate captains for the tournament and according to USA Hockey In addition, David Backes, Ryan Kesler, Ryan McDonagh, and Zach Parise will help round out the Team USA leadership.
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Tortorella said it’s great news that the USA has “plenty of leaders”, adding that’s the reason the leadership group includes seven players.
John Tortorella, head coach of Team USA at the upcoming World Cup of Hockey, is not a fan of the NFL’s Colin Kaepernick’s recent tactics regarding the American national anthem.
This past season he notched 38 goals and assisted on 40 more for 78 points, including 11-game winning goals, while leading the San Jose Sharks. He and his Sharks lost in the Stanley Cup Final to the Pittsburgh Penguins four games to two. He’s ready for more responsibility as a leader of a U.S, team where before it was “Kaner, go play” and he’s really good at it.
Kane and Suter are both well experienced in global hockey. Extending to Kane’s junior career, the 26-year-old has participated in 33 total games for Team USA, recording 18 goals and 22 assists.
Team USA’s first pre-tournament game is in Washington on September 13.
It’s unclear if any American hockey players were planning on exercising their constitutional right to protest, but Tortorella’s stern warning makes it clear that he doesn’t want any part of it during the World Cup.
“With respect to Team Europe, after careful consideration and consulting with team management and the Players in its leadership group, a determination was made to forego any form of musical tribute prior to Team Europe’s games”, a statement from the National Hockey League and NHLPA read.
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Tortorella, who coaches the Columbus Blue Jackets during the NHL season, has a son, Nick, who is a member of the Army Rangers, and he has reportedly spoken often with his players in Toronto about representing America as national team members.
