Leafs’ Wilson to coach U.S. hockey team

USA Hockey has chosen Toronto Maple Leafs Coach Ron Wilson to lead the U.S. team for the 2010 Olympics, officials said Monday.

Wilson will start his coaching tour with the U.S. team this spring when USA Hockey sends a squad to the 2009 World Championship in Switzerland. It is his second stint as coach of the U.S. Olympic team. He guided the team to a sixth-place finish in 1998.

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, Wilson said. 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.

Wilson, 53, is in his 15th season as an NHL coach. Before taking over the Maple Leafs he coached at Anaheim, Washington and San Jose. He coached the Capitals when they advanced to the Stanley Cup finals in 1998. Toronto has already been eliminated from playoff contention this season, Wilson’s first with the team.

Wilson owns an NHL career coaching record of 544-453-101