With back-to-back gold medals at the 2008 U-18 and 2009 World Junior Hockey Championships, Vancouver’s Big Irishman is chaffing at the cuff for another shot to coach Team Canada at home in 2010.
“Would I like a crack at something to do during the Olympics? You bet,” said Pat Quinn, beaming, but tired, as he arrived at Vancouver’s airport yesterday.
Quinn coached Canada’s Olympic men’s team to a gold medal in 2002 and to a disappointing quarterfinal elimination in 2006. He said he’d relish any involvement in 2010.
“As I’ve said many times, if they want me to carry the bags, the sticks, sharpen skates or coach I’d be glad to do any of them.”
Quinn, who hadn’t gone to bed since winning gold in Ottawa Monday night, described the experience as a “thrilling ride.”
“It’s such an awesome treat,” he added. “There’s nothing that you could imagine that matches standing there, watching your flag go up after winning the gold.”
