The United States wasted no time in establishing a game plan for major international meets in the coming years, announcing Thursday that Bill Guerin will serve as general manager for the 2025 Four Nations Tournament and the Olympics. of 2026.
The Massachusetts native has been the GM of the Minnesota Wild since 2019 and has combined his duties with those of president of hockey operations since last July.
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The 53-year-old also has some background with Team USA, having served as assistant general manager of training for the 2016 World Cup; he was first appointed as general manager for the 2022 Games, in which representatives of the National Hockey League (NHL) were ultimately unable to take part. It was last week that Commissioner Gary Bettman announced a decision related to the two international events.
“Since the NHL asked competing teams to name their first six players for the Four Nations tournament early this summer, it was important for us to name a general manager and we are delighted that Bill has committed to this tournament and the Olympic Games,” said USA Hockey assistant director of hockey operations John Vanbiesbrouck in a press release.
Thanks to Guerin, the Wild have reached the playoffs the last four seasons, each time being eliminated in the first round. Before joining the Minnesota team, the former forward was an assistant general manager with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
As a player, he also participated in the 1998, 2002 and 2006 Games. He was also part of the American team that won the 1996 World Cup.
The Four Nations Tournament, which pits the United States against Canada, Sweden and Finland, will take place in 2025, from February 12 to 20. The following year, the Winter Olympics in Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo will also take place in February.