May 11, 2021 12:11 am
Jack Capuano (Cranston, R.I.), associate coach of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, has been named head coach of the 2021 U.S. Men’s National Team that will compete in the upcoming International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship May 21-June 6 in Riga, Latvia.
Capuano will be joined by assistant coaches Nate Leaman (Providence, R.I./Providence College) and Adam Nightingale (Cheboygan, Mich./NTDP). In addition Kevin Reiter (Pittsburgh, Penn./NTDP) will serve as goaltending coach and Mike King (Center Conway, N.H./Ottawa Senators) as video coach.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have an outstanding coaching staff, led by Jack Capuano,” said Chris Drury, general manager of the U.S. Men’s National Team. “Their involvement with USA Hockey in various ways over the course of time and combined international experience will be of great benefit as we head into the tournament.”
USMNT’s Jason Kreis on Cole Bassett: “He certainly will be in contention for the March qualification”
Competition in midfield is dog-eat-dog; however, for young Bassett, making the 2021 Olympic roster is not out of his reach just yet
Share this story
John A. Babiak - @Photog JohnB
A packed 2021 calendar awaits U.S. Men’s National Teams (USMNT), especially the U-23 sided that is vying for one of two Concacaf spots that assure the winners the opportunity to represent their nation in the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
One Colorado Rapids player that is eyeing a roster spot on the U.S. men’s squad is Cole Bassett. The midfielder had a breakout year in MLS and that earned him an invite to U-23 team head coach Jason Kreis and senior team skipper Gregg Berhalter’s evaluation camp this past December.