Mike Sullivan to Lead U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team in 2026

USA Hockey has officially announced the selection of Mike Sullivan, the current head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, as the leader of Team USA for both the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Four Nations Face-Off, scheduled for February 12-20, 2025, will feature NHL players from the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden. Following this event, the 2026 Winter Olympics is set to take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy in February of the subsequent year.

Sullivan’s appointment to the 2022 Olympic squad was regrettably derailed due to the absence of NHL players resulting from numerous postponed league games caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately leading to the team’s non-participation in the Beijing Games.

Given his extensive background in international coaching, including roles as an assistant coach at the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy, the 2008 World Championship, and the 2016 World Cup, as well as his leadership as the head coach of Team USA at the 2007 World Championship, Sullivan’s wealth of experience will undoubtedly prove invaluable to Team USA.

A native of Massachusetts, Sullivan holds an impressive NHL coaching record of 445-275-100 with 15 ties, having previously served with the Boston Bruins (2003-04, 2005-06) before his tenure as head coach of the Penguins beginning in the 2015-16 season, during which he led the team to consecutive Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017.

Before coaching, Sullivan enjoyed an 11-season career as a player in the NHL, representing four different teams.

With his wealth of experience and proven track record in both international and NHL coaching, Sullivan is a natural choice to lead Team USA in the upcoming Four Nations Face-Off and the 2026 Winter Olympics.

His guidance is expected to play a crucial role in steering the team to success in these prestigious international tournaments, and fans can eagerly anticipate the skill and determination of Team USA under Sullivan’s leadership.

Under Sullivan’s tutelage, American hockey fans can confidently look ahead to a hopeful and promising future for Team USA in the international arena.