San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky has a different relationship with Team USA's head coach Mike Sullivan and former Sharks coach David Quinn.
Sullivan's parents are Warsofsky's god-parents. Quinn helped Warsofsky get an NHL job when the Sharks hired him. Warsofsky was Quinn's assistant during his two years behind the San Jose bench.
With that in mind, Warsofsky watched the 4 Nations Face-Off with a different perspective.
"It's awesome to see from a different lens. You're watching it on TV, and I've talked to those guys quite a bit in the process of getting to where they are now," Warsofsky said. "I've talked to Sullivan quite a bit about how he's prepared for it and all the steps that led up to it.
Quinny, [Jon Hynes], [John Tortorella], and the video coach, Mike King, who I know really well. To root those guys on and see from a different lens is a unique experience."
Last night, Team USA lost 3-2 to Team Canada in overtime in the championship. The loss is tough, considering the fantastic effort all the players and coaches put in for all nations.
With that in mind, Warsofsky isn't reaching out to the Team USA coaching staff yet.
"I was texting those guys and wishing them good luck before the tournament," Warsofsky explained. "I'll let them decompress. I know how they can feel today, so let them decompress, and I'll connect here in the next couple of days."
Warsofsky has admittedly learned to improve his coaching style during his rookie NHL head coach season, and he is seeking advice from his contacts in the NHL coaching family.
Warsofsky's relationship and connection to the Team USA coaching staff could make him a longshot candidate to be part of USA's 2026 Olympic hockey coaching staff.
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