Team USA faces Team Canada for the second time tomorrow. After defeating Canada on Saturday, the two teams meet again in the 4 Nations Face-Off finale. While gaining the attention of fans, the hockey league is making headlines with its success.

Behind every successful team are the staff members who work tirelessly from start to finish to achieve the best outcomes. For Team USA, the same applies. The support and hard work of every staff member working behind the scenes have helped the team gain popularity through the players’ performances. A total of 14 different staff sections are currently working with the team.

Playing a crucial role in the team is head coach Mike Sullivan, who began his coaching career in 2002. From being a player to now training its players, Sullivan’s recognition is often overlooked despite his ongoing tenure as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 10th season. Overseeing the team’s overall strategy, Sullivan is joined by Mike Buckley, who takes on the role of goaltending coach for the first time.

“I think that it’s more or less there’s pre-scouts that need to be done; there’s the opponent’s goaltenders you want to look at. I’m [in contact] with the goalies’ goalie coaches; see what they like to do to prepare for games and hopefully just learn a lot from them and from the other coaches,” Buckley says.

Joining Sullivan and Buckley on the coaching staff are three assistant coaches: John Hynes, John Tortorella, and David Quinn. Hynes, currently head coach of the Minnesota Wild, is serving in this role for the fourth time. Tortorella, now in his third year as head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, joins the international team. Quinn, who previously assisted Team USA in the 2016 IIHF Men’s World Championship, also serves as an assistant coach.

Madison Nikkel and Mike King take on the role of video coaches, bringing their expertise to Team USA. With access to extensive game databases, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators video coaches contribute their skills on the international stage. However, the coaching staff is ultimately responsible for the team’s success or failure. They make the critical decisions that determine what is best for the players.

They are the key decision-makers for Team USA

The 4 Nations Face-Off is proving favorable for Team USA. Holding a 2-1 record in the tournament, the team has benefited from the support and strategic planning of the coaching staff. From the head coach to the assistants, Team USA’s players are working to solidify their prominence in the championship game.

With the opportunity to guide the talented duo of Adam Fox and Charlie McAvoy, head coach Mike Sullivan carries the responsibility of shaping the team’s performance. Their statistics from the three matches so far appear promising.

The team’s goaltenders, Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman, each bring their individual achievements and are currently under the guidance of goaltending coach Mike Buckley. On coaching the three goalies, Buckley acknowledges the competitive spirit within the team.

“I mean, it’s difficult; it’s definitely going to bring the best out of each guy, I would say. You have three very high-end goaltenders and the competitive spirit of all three of these guys is going to be heightened, for sure.”

Ultimately, it all comes down to the final game of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Will Team USA or Team Canada emerge victorious? The answer lies in which coaching staff proves to be the most effective in leading their team to victory.