The Lowell Devils, in conjunction with USA Hockey, have announced that head coach Kurt Kleinendorst has been named an assistant coach for the 2008 U.S. Men’s National Team.
He will join head coach John Tortorella and assistant coach Mike Sullivan in leading Team USA in the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship, May 2-18 in Halifax, N.S., and Quebec City, Que. Both AHL graduates themselves, Tortorella won a Calder Cup as head coach of the Rochester Americans in 1996, and Sullivan guided the Providence Bruins to a division championship in 2003.
Kleinendorst, 47, was a member of the 1981 U.S. Men’s National Team and also played for Team USA during its 1984 pre-Olympic tour. He will be making his first USA coaching appearance.
Kleinendorst is currently completing his second season with New Jersey’s top developmental team and is in his eighth season overall with the Devils organization. He had served as a member of the team’s scouting staff for five seasons, including the last four as special assignment scout, and the 2001-02 season as a pro scout.
Kleinendorst joined New Jersey as an assistant coach to Larry Robinson for the 2000-01 season after being named to the post Aug. 22, 2000.
Kleinendorst played professional hockey in North America for parts of five seasons between 1983-1990 in the CHL, AHL and IHL, including a nine-game stint in 1987-88 with the AHL’s Utica Devils. His international experience includes time spent with the 1984 United States Olympic hockey team during its pre-Olympic tour, as well as the 1981 World Championships.
Kleinendorst played four seasons at Providence College from 1979-1983, and was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997. As a senior, he was selected to the NCAA All-American Team, named ECAC Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. Kurt and his wife, Deon, have four children: Ryan (22), Kollin (19), Kaitlyn (15) and Jake (10).
