Former Toronto Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson is allegedly recovering from a recent stroke.
Wilson, 61, was last behind the bench a year ago as coach of the bronze medal-winning U.S. team at the world junior hockey tournament.
The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday that Ron Wilson, a former coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs and three other NHL clubs, is recovering from a stroke.
Wilson, 61, last coached the United States’ bronze medal-winning squad at the World Junior Hockey Tournament a year ago.
According to friends of the Windsor, Ontario native, Wilson is in a rehabilitation institution to help him recuperate. Wilson apparently lives in South Carolina, but the Times did not specify where he was receiving treatment.
Ron Wilson, the former Ducks and US national team coach, suffered a stroke and is currently in recovery, according to several of his pals.
The United States Hockey Hall of Fame honored Wilson and the Americans’ 1996 World Cup hockey team in a ceremony in Philadelphia in late November.
The United States team defeated Canada in the best-of-three final to win the first edition of the event.
Wilson spent portions of seven seasons in the NHL between 1977 and 1988, three with the Maple Leafs and four with the Minnesota North Stars. In 1993, he became the head coach of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
He also coached the Washington Capitals and San Jose Sharks before spending nearly four seasons in Toronto from 2008 to 2012.
He is sixth all-time in NHL games as a head coach, with 1,401. His clubs played an additional 95 postseason games.
He was also the United States’ coach at the Winter Olympics in 1998 and 2010.
