Laviolette named head coach of 2020 U.S. men's national team

Peter Laviolette has been named head coach of the U.S. men's national team that will participate in the 2020 International Ice Hockey Federation Men's World Championship, USA Hockey announced Wednesday.

Laviolette, who was fired by the Nashville Predators in January, had been head coach of the Predators since the 2014-15 season. He's been a head coach in the NHL since 2001.

"It's great to have Peter as our head coach," U.S. general manager Chris Drury said. "He brings significant international experience, both as a player and a coach, and his passion and desire to win align with our goal of bringing home the gold medal."

Laviolette has an extensive international resume. He served as head coach of the U.S. team at the same tournament in 2014, was an assistant with the 2014 men's Olympic team in Sochi, and was the head coach of the 2006 men's Olympic squad in Torino. This will be his fourth time working as a head coach at the IIHF tournament.

The tournament takes place May 8-24 in Switzerland.