Former Badger Greg Poss Named Head Coach of U.S. Men's Select Team
Oct. 11, 2007
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Greg Poss has been named head coach for the U.S. Men's Select Team that will compete at the 2007 Deutschland Cup, Nov. 8-11, in Hannover, Germany, it was announced today by USA Hockey.
Poss, originally from Green Bay, Wis., returns to the Team USA bench for the first time since the 2004 International Ice Hockey Federation World Men's Championship, where he served as an assistant coach and helped guide Team USA to the bronze medal. Poss also was an assistant coach for the U.S. Men's Select Team at the 2003 Deutschland Cup where the team earned a first-place finish. Most recently in international competition, Poss served as the head coach of the German national ice hockey team from 2004-05.
Poss has spent his entire professional coaching career in Europe. He currently serves as the head coach of the Mannheim Eagles, a position he has held since 2005. Last season, Poss led the Eagles to the German Elite League (DEL) title and the German Cup. Prior to joining Mannheim, Poss was the head coach of the Nuremburg Ice Tigers for two years (2003-05) and the Iserlohn Roosters for six years (1997-2003). In 2002-03, he earned German League Coach of the Year honors.
As a player, Poss competed for the University of Wisconsin for four years (1985-89). He went on to play in both the American Hockey League and the International Hockey League for a combined three seasons (1989-92).
Tom Fitgerald will serve as the assistant coach for the U.S. Men's Select Team. He played 17 seasons as a forward in the National Hockey League totaling 329 points (139-190) in 1,097 games. Fitzgerald is in his first season as the director of player development for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
NOTES: The Deutschland Cup, formerly known as the TUI Nations Cup, has taken place every year since 1990...The tournament includes teams from Denmark, Germany, Japan, Slovakia, Switzerland and the United States...Team USA won the Deutschland Cup in 2003 and 2004, and finished third in 2005, the last year the team competed at the event...The U.S. Men's Select Team roster will be announced later this month.
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