Official report from the Coyotes confirms Tocchet hiring

The Arizona Coyotes have announced that they’ve hired former Pittsburgh Penguins assistant coach Rick Tocchet to serve as the team’s 18th head coach in franchise history.

Tocchet re-joins the franchise after a brief stint behind the bench with the Coyotes during the 2005-06 season where he served as an assistant under head coach Wayne Gretzky. Coyotes fans may also remember Tocchet from his stint with the team during his playing days. Tocchet was a star with the Coyotes in the late 90’s before for three seasons playing with the likes of Jeremy Roenick and Keith Tkachuk. Of course, more recently Tocchet has been a key member of a Pittsburgh Penguins coaching staff that led their team to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.

"I'm extremely happy to be back with the Coyotes organization," said Tocchet in the team’s official announcement. "I loved playing and coaching here in the Valley and have always considered Arizona my home. We have a great young team with a ton of talent and I'm excited about leading this group of players. I'd like to thank Mr. Barroway and John Chayka for this incredible opportunity. I can't wait to get started."