Team USA’s Olympic Hockey Staff Announced

The road to Milan-Cortina 2026 just got a whole lot more exciting — especially for fans in Northeast Pennsylvania. USA Hockey recently unveiled the leadership group that will guide Team USA into the Winter Olympics, and if you’re a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins fan, this lineup will feel like a family reunion.

From behind the bench to the front office and even the equipment room, the WBS Penguins’ fingerprints are all over Team USA’s Olympic staff. It’s a proud reminder that hockey’s biggest stage doesn’t just start in the NHL — sometimes it starts right here in Wilkes-Barre.

Former WBS Penguins Coaches Leading the Way

Mike Sullivan – Head Coach

If there’s one guy you want steering the ship in Italy, it’s Mike Sullivan. Before becoming a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion with Pittsburgh, Sullivan was molding talent and building culture in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. WBS fans remember his steady hand and sharp hockey mind — qualities he’ll need as he chases Olympic gold.

John Hynes – Assistant Coach

Right beside him? Another WBS alum, John Hynes. From 2009–2015, Hynes turned the Penguins into a playoff staple and proved he could take young prospects and shape them into NHL regulars. Since then, he’s commanded NHL benches in New Jersey and Nashville. Now, he’s back alongside Sullivan, ready to bring that same detail-oriented, no-nonsense style to Team USA.

Together, Sullivan and Hynes form a coaching tandem that blends international credibility with Wilkes-Barre grit.

Management with WBS Connections

The WBS influence doesn’t stop at the bench — it runs straight through the front office.

• Bill Guerin – General Manager: Guerin, now GM of the Minnesota Wild, once served as GM in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Known for his no-nonsense leadership and player-first approach, he’s the architect tasked with building a gold-medal roster.
• Tom Fitzgerald – Management Group: Fitzgerald, now guiding the New Jersey Devils, also cut his teeth in Wilkes-Barre. He’s made a career out of spotting talent before others do, a skill that could give Team USA a serious edge.
• Chris Kelleher – Management Staff: A former WBS defenseman turned hockey-ops veteran, Kelleher brings a unique perspective from both the ice and the boardroom. His path from Mohegan Sun Arena to the Olympic stage is the kind of story fans love.

Behind-the-Scenes Heroes with WBS Roots

Hockey glory isn’t just about the guys calling plays or signing contracts. The support staff keeps the engine running — and here, too. They help make Wilkes-Barre/Scranton shine.

• Teddy Richards – Equipment Manager: Richards once kept WBS players geared up and game-ready. Now he’s bringing that same level of care (and probably a few late-night skate sharpenings) to Team USA.
• Madison Nikkel – Video Coach: If hockey is a chess match, Nikkel is the one studying the board. Formerly WBS’s video coach, he’ll break down film, spot weaknesses, and help Team USA outthink their opponents.

These aren’t flashy jobs, but they’re the backbone of every championship run — and Wilkes-Barre helped train them.

The Lasting Impact of the WBS Penguins on USA Hockey

Since 1999, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have been more than just Pittsburgh’s farm team. They’ve been a launchpad for players chasing NHL dreams, for coaches cutting their teeth, and for staff building careers in pro hockey.

That so many alumni are now central to Team USA’s Olympic bid isn’t a coincidence. It’s proof that what happens in Wilkes-Barre doesn’t stay in Wilkes-Barre — it resonates all the way to hockey’s biggest stages.

A Proud Moment for Penguins Country

As Team USA gears up for Milan-Cortina, fans in Northeast Pennsylvania can feel an extra sense of pride. When Sullivan and Hynes draw up plays, when Guerin and Fitzgerald assemble the roster, when Richards and Nikkel prepare the team for battle — they’ll carry a little piece of Wilkes-Barre with them.

So when the puck drops in 2026, remember this: the road to Olympic gold runs right through the Coal Region. And that’s something every Penguins fan can cheer for.