Wroblewski named Under-17 Team assistant

John Wroblewski, the graduate assistant for USA Hockey's National Team Development Program last season, has been named the assistant coach of the U.S. National Under-17 Team. In addition, Tim Taylor, the assistant coach of the U.S. National Under-18 Team last season, will work as an assistant coach for both teams within the NTDP.

Wroblewski, who will serve as the assistant coach for John Hynes, was an original member of the National Team Development Program as a player. He recorded 78 points (40-38) in 152 games from 1997-99.

"John is a very talented and energetic person, who loves to coach for his country," said Scott Monaghan, director of operations for the NTDP. "He set the bar for the our future graduate coaches and I know our entire staff is looking forward to working with him in his new role."

Wroblewski played four seasons (1999-2003) at the University of Notre Dame and served as a captain during his senior year. He also played professionally for four years in the East Coast Hockey League with the Fresno Falcons before joining the NTDP coaching staff in 2007.

As the graduate assistant coach, Wroblewski spent time assisting the coaching staffs of both teams within the NTDP during the course of the 2007-08 season. He served as an assistant coach for the U.S. National Under-18 Team at the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation World Men's Under-18 Championship, where Team USA earned the bronze medal.

Taylor, the head coach of the 1994 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team, came to the NTDP last season after 28 years as the head coach of Yale University's men's ice hockey team. He helped guide the U.S. National Under-18 Team to the bronze medal at the 2008 IIHF World Men's Under-18 Championship.

Next season, Taylor will work with both teams at various points during the season and willattend most of the NTDP's major international events. He will also have an expanded role in scouting and player evaluation and recruiting, and will be involved with the NTDP's outreach program, working to help increase the U.S. talent pool.

"In one year, Tim has become a vital part of our staff," said Monaghan. "His vast knowledge, versatile experience and desire to mentor both players and coaches makes him the ideal person for this position. He will 'swing' between staffs to add support during crucial times and will have an expanded role in our player personnel area. We are thrilled to have him back."

Taylor has worked with U.S. national teams since 1981 when he served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men's National Team at the IIHF Men's World Championship. He also served as both the assistant general manager and assistant coach for the 1984 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team. Additionally, Taylor was the head coach for the U.S. Men's National team at the IIHF Men's World Championship four straight years (1989-92). Further, he led the U.S. Men's National Team to its best finish at a Canada Cup when the squad finished in second place in 1991.

NOTES: The roster for the U.S. National Under-17 Team will be released Friday (August 1), while the U.S. National Under-18 Team roster will be released next week. Ron Rolston is the head coach for the U.S. National Under-18 Team, while Chadd Cassidy serves as the assistant coach for that squad. Hynes enters his sixth season as a head coach at USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, while Ron Rolston will begin his fifth year as a head coach.