Blue Jackets' Bill Zito named GM of U.S. men's hockey team

Bill Zito, assistant general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, has been named GM of the 2018 U.S. men's national team in advance of the IIHF World Championship in May.

Zito will be supported by an impressive advisory group made up of a collection of NHL executives including Stan Bowman (Chicago Blackhawks), David Poile (Nashville Predators), Ray Shero (New Jersey Devils), Dale Tallon (Florida Panthers), and Jeff Gorton (New York Rangers).

"This is a tremendous honor and I want to thank USA Hockey for the opportunity," Zito said in a statement Friday. "I look forward to working with the advisory group in building a team that will represent our country well. I'd also like to thank John Davidson, Jarmo Kekalainen, and the Blue Jackets for their support and allowing me to take on this endeavor."

The former player agent has been with the Blue Jackets since 2013. He also serves as GM of the AHL's Cleveland Monsters, who won the Calder Cup in 2016.

The United States will begin play at the World Championship in Denmark on May 4 against rival Canada.