Chris Kreider spoke fondly of John Tortorella, who was his first NHL coach.
John Tortorella’s tenure as the New York Rangers coach was memorable to say the least.
His strong personality and fiery attitude made him a popular man in The Big Apple while coaching the Rangers from 2009-2013.
Tortorella was actually Chris Kreider’s first NHL coach upon joining the Rangers as he was able to make an impact on the young rookie at the time.
Now, Kreider is set to play at the 4 Nations Face-Off for Team USA with Tortorella serving as an assistant coach.
“He always treated me really well,” Kreider said of Tortorella. “I had a really positive experience with him as my first pro coach & I took a lot away from that. It's good to see him again.”
Kreider has been with the Rangers since the 2012-13 season while Tortorella has coached the Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers since getting fired from the Rangers in 2013.
