Tortorella to coach U.S. hockey team

COLORADO SPRINGS, March 28 (UPI) -- Tampa Bay Lightning Coach John Tortorella has been selected to coach the U.S. men's national ice hockey team at the 2008 World Championships.

Tortorella, 49, coached the Lightning to the Stanley Cup title in 2004 but the team has already been eliminated from NHL playoff contention this season. Over five NHL seasons, his teams have a 196-153-35 record. The 196 victories are an NHL record for a U.S.-born coach.

He was an associate coach for the U.S. team during the 2005 world championships.

"We're certainly pleased to have someone with John Tortorella's credentials coaching our world championship team," said Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations at USA Hockey. "He's had a lot of success in his career, including winning the Stanley Cup, and knows what it takes to win at the highest level."

"I'm honored to be selected," said Tortorella. "It truly is an honor to represent our country and I look forward to the opportunity."

The hockey world championships are scheduled for May 2-18 in Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Quebec City.