John Robert Tortorella (born June 24, 1958) is an American ice hockey coach. Tortorella has held the position of head coach of the Vancouver Canucks (2013–2014), the New York Rangers (2009–2013) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (2001–2008). He led Tampa Bay to the 2004 Stanley Cup championship and compiled a 239–222–36–38 record with the Lightning.
[being interrupted during an interview] I'll walk. If cellphones go off, I'll walk.
2
[on joining the Canucks franchise after rocky past relations with the media] You probably have a right to be skeptical. I don't hide from my history. I think there are some good things I have done with my intensity and how I have handled things. And there have been a number - as long as my arm - of stupid things I have done. I am really cognizant that I need to change there. Am I going to be this wonderful, smiling guy every day? Fat chance. There is no question there are going to be times where you say, 'There he is'.
3
[on his new team, 2013] We have to be fighting for the puck on a more consistent level. And in the six, seven, eight games that I watched, I don't see it. That is a mindset. I don't think it is about bringing in a bunch of guys that are going to fight. The team looked like it was pretty easy to play against at times. It's an older team and we need to get younger pretty quickly.
4
[on developing relationships with his players] I think there will be a lot of one-on-ones for me this year, just to help them understand me a little. Maybe not even talking about hockey. A lot of people say it takes a bit of time to get to know me. I need to fast-forward that.
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Fact
1
On March 17, 2009, as head coach of the New York Rangers, he became the winningest U.S.-born coach in NHL history with his 245th NHL victory (over the Montreal Canadiens).
2
Played college hockey for the University of Maine from 1978 to 1981.
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
The 2004 Stanley Cup Finals
2004
TV Mini-Series
Himself (Coach - Tampa Bay Lightning)
2004 NHL Awards
2004
TV Special
Himself - Award Winner: Jack Adams Trophy
Archive Footage
Title
Year
Status
Character
Rome Is Burning
2010
TV Series
Himself
Known for movies
The 2004 Stanley Cup Finals 2004 as Himself (Coach - Tampa Bay Lightning)
2004 NHL Awards 2004 as Himself - Award Winner: Jack Adams Trophy
$5 Million