Born	April 9, 1964 (1964-04-09) (age 45), Scarborough, ON, CAN
Height Weight	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 214 lb (97 kg; 15 st 4 lb)
Position	Right wing
Shot	Right
Pro clubs	Philadelphia Flyers Pittsburgh Penguins Los Angeles Kings Boston Bruins Washington Capitals Phoenix Coyotes Tampa Bay Lightning
Ntl. team	Canada
NHL Draft	121st overall, 1983 Philadelphia Flyers
Pro career	1984 – 2002

Richard Tocchet (born on April 9, 1964 in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada) is a retired professional ice hockey player. He is the current head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League.

[edit] Playing career

After being drafted in the 6th round (121th overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft, Tocchet returned to the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds for another year of junior hockey. After registering 108 points with Sault Ste. Marie, Tocchet came to the Flyers for the 1984–85 season, scoring 39 points and helping the team to the Stanley Cup Finals. He was mainly known as a fighter in his early career, but soon developed his skills enough to become a respected power forward, team leader and a four time NHL All-Star. He had memorable fights with other power forwards such as Wendel Clark and Cam Neely.

In 1992, Tocchet was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with Kjell Samuelsson, in exchange for Mark Recchi. In 14 playoff games, he scored 19 points, helping the Penguins repeat as Stanley Cup champions.

Tocchet became a well-travelled veteran in the league after his stint with the Penguins, taking roles with the Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and Phoenix Coyotes. Rick returned to the Flyers in 2000, adding 11 points en route to an Eastern Conference Finals berth. Tocchet retired after 2001–02 season, being one of several players in NHL history to collect 400 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes including Brendan Shanahan and Gary Roberts. He became an assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche in 2002–03. In the summer of 2005, he became an assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes. On December 17, 2005, Tocchet took over as interim head coach for Phoenix, stepping in while head coach Wayne Gretzky was out on an indefinite leave of absence due to his mother's illness (and subsequent passing). The team went 2-3-0 under Tocchet. Gretzky eventually resumed his duties on December 28.

[edit] Coaching career

Tocchet was named as the associate coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 9, 2008.^[1] On November 16, he was named the interim head coach of the Lightning, replacing Barry Melrose who was fired two days earlier after compiling a 5-7-4 record. Tocchet lost his first game to the Carolina Hurricanes in a shootout.^[2] Tocchet's first win came two games later on November 21 against the Nashville Predators. However, he would go on to lose his next nine games, and twelve of the next thirteen.^[3] On May 11, 2009 Tocchet had the interim tag removed and was signed to a two year deal by the Lightning. ^[4]

[edit] Coaching record

[edit] Criminal charges

On February 6, 2006, Tocchet was served with a criminal complaint, accused of financing a nationwide sports gambling ring based in New Jersey in which several current NHL players wagered. ^[5] He was expected to travel from his Arizona home to answer charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy in New Jersey. ^[6] "It's not a hockey-related issue, it's a football thing. And at this time I can't comment any further," Tocchet told The Arizona Republic after the Coyotes practiced on Tuesday, February 7, 2006.^[7]

On May 8, 2006, attorneys for Tocchet and Gretzky's wife Janet Jones filed notices in New Jersey that they intend to sue the state for $50 million each for defamation. Both Tocchet and Jones claim each have lost business opportunities in the wake of the state's investigation which have sullied their reputations. ^[8]

On August 3, 2006, former New Jersey state trooper James Harney pleaded guilty to conspiracy, promoting gambling and official misconduct, and promised to help authorities with their case against Tocchet and others. Harney said that he and Tocchet were 50–50 partners in the betting ring. ^[9]

On December 1, 2006, James Ulmer of Swedesboro, New Jersey pleaded guilty to conspiracy and promoting gambling and agreed to cooperate with authorities.^[10]

On May 25, 2007, Tocchet plead guilty to conspiracy and promoting gambling. New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram announced on August 17 that Tocchet has been sentenced to two years probation in exchange for his plea. The NHL issued a statement from Gary Bettman, but his spokesman would not answer questions, including if Tocchet has a future in hockey.^[11]

During the week of July 8, 2007, Tocchet played in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. He survived the first day, but never returned for Day 2.

During a press conference on February 6, 2008, it was announced that Tocchet would be reinstated, and would serve as assistant coach starting on February 7, 2008, exactly two years after taking a leave of absence.^[12]

[edit] Career statistics

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Operation Slapshot
• Captain (ice hockey)
• Power forward (ice hockey)
• List of NHL players with 1000 games played

[edit] External links

• Rick Tocchet's career stats at The Internet Hockey Database