Granato returns to the USHL

Former Green Bay Gamblers head coach Don Granato is returning to the USHL as the head coach of the NTDP U17 squad, USA Hockey announced Monday .

Team USA, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has two teams which comprise the National Team Development Program, one for U17, one for U18. The teams split the 60-game USHL schedule and represent one team in the standings.

Granato was the Gamblers' first coach, from 1995-97, winning two regular season Anderson Cups, one playoff Clark Cup, and two national championship Gold Cups. The University of Wisconsin alum has since coached and been a scout throughout the minors and in the NHL. He most recently was a scout for the Vancouver Canucks.

Don will be a terrific mentor to the best young players in our country," said Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. "He's excited about the opportunity and we're very pleased to have him at the NTDP."

The Team USA U17 squad makes its first visit to Green Bay on Jan. 20, 2011.