Former Wisconsin men's hockey star Tony Granato has been named head coach of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche. Granato returns to the post he held from 2002-2004 after spending the last three seasons as an assistant with the team.
Granato is fourth on Wisconsin's all-time scoring list with 220 points in 152 games, and third all-time with 100 goals.
Granato was a finalist for the 1987 Hobey Baker Award and a two-time All-American. Granato also played in the 1988 Olympics for Team USA and enjoyed a 13-year NHL playing career with the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks.
Granato reached the Stanley Cup finals in 1993 with the Kings and won the NHL's 1997 Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy for his persevereance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.