USA BALL HOCKEY ANNOUNCES BILLY SULLIVAN AS U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM GENERAL MANAGER

Men’s National Team Turns to One of Most Experienced International Players to Have Ever Worn the Red, White and Blue

(BOSTON, MA) – USA Ball Hockey today announced the hiring of five-time Men’s National Team player, and two-time Junior National Team assistant coach Billy Sullivan as the General Manager of the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) at the 2022 World Championships to be held in Manitoba, Canada.

Men’s National Team Director, Tom Ruiz, made it very clear as to what the program was looking for; someone who’s respected in the sport, has experienced ISBHF competition, and knows what it takes to win a gold medal at the highest level.

Sullivan currently serves as the assistant coach of the U20-Junior Men’s National Team.  This is his second run at gold behind the bench at an ISBHF Junior event. His first was in Sheffield, England in 2016.  “Having a great rapport among the hockey community is vital in recruiting the top talent within our sport,” says Ruiz.  “Bill has that respect from this particular demographic through all three avenues he’s experienced; player, coach and as a Director of Hockey Operations at Greater Pittsburgh Dekhockey Center as well as with the Penn Hills Arsenal franchise.

It is Sullivan’s experience that can go unmatched.  He is one of the few Americans to ever earn a gold medal at an ISBHF World Championship as a forward on the 2006 Junior National Team that brought home gold in Italy. Sullivan has participated in five ISBHF Senior World Championships, a record in which he takes great pride. “Being a part of the Men’s National Team and winning silver in 2015 was special, but it has left a gaping hole that still eats at me,” Sullivan tells us.  “I pride myself on recruitment and player development, and I know I can help to bring those intangibles to this program. This country has the pieces to win a gold medal, and I want to be with the guys when they do.”

Once named General Manager of the team Sullivan got to work. “I watch a ton of film.  It is part of my philosophy to improve as a team and as an individual player by studying,” said Sullivan.  Studying film and analyzing players/teams is a part of Sullivan’s daily living as U.S. scout for the London Knights OHL (Ontario Hockey League). He has also been a consultant on U.S. players for the Kingston Voyageurs/Wellington Dukes (OJHL), and an analyst for D3hockey.com as well as the Hockey Writers.  Sullivan’s passion was evident when he told us that, “Building a champion isn’t always about putting the best players together. We have to find the proper players who put a lot of pride into their work ethic and preparation, along with fitting the mold of a style of hockey that we want to play.”  He tells us his first task will be to communicate with his staff and begin to recruit a list of players who could potentially help our country win another gold medal.

“With Billy’s experience as a scout, we look forward to seeing an evaluated process in player evaluation,” Ruiz states.  “I can’t wait to see what Billy, Head Coach Cory Herschk and the rest of the staff create.”

For additional information on USA Ball Hockey, please contact:

Tom Ruiz
Senior National Team Director
Vice President
USA Ball Hockey
truiz@usaballhockey.com

Jane Albright
Secretary
USA Ball Hockey
jalbright@usaballhockey.com
info@usaballhockey.com

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