Hockey

USA Hockey officially named Ron Wilson head coach of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team on Monday morning.

Wilson, the current head coach of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, will also serve as the head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team at the 2009 International Ice Hockey Federation Men's World Championship April 24-May 10 in Berne and Zurich-Kloten, Switzerland.

Wilson led the U.S. to the gold medal in the first-ever World Cup of Hockey in 1996 and is the second-winningest active coach in the National Hockey League.

"It's no secret that Ron Wilson is one of the best coaches in the game," said Brian Burke, general manager of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey team and also the president and general manager of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs. "Our national team management group is excited to have Ron lead our team in Berne and Vancouver. He brings passion, energy, and an overall knowledge of the international landscape to the table that is second to none."

Wilson has been the head coach of five different U.S. teams, was an assistant coach once and also played on five U.S. teams.

"Needless to say, it is quite an honor to have the opportunity to coach our Olympic team in Vancouver and also our team in the upcoming World Championship," said Wilson, who will become only the fourth person to lead two different U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey teams. "I've enjoyed my involvement enormously with USA Hockey over the years, both as a player and coach, and look forward to the challenge ahead."

USA Hockey Operations also said Monday that the coaching staff and players will begin to be named at the conclusion of the NHL season. An orientation camp for the U.S. team is scheduled for August 17-19 in Chicago.