Mike Sullivan excited to coach son-in-law Charlie McAvoy at 4 Nations Face-Off

The NHL 4 Nations Face-Off has a layered meaning for Team USA coach Mike Sullivan.

Not only does the Pittsburgh Penguins coach have the chance to coach some of the United States' most talented hockey players, he has the opportunity to coach his son-in-law, Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy.

“I’ve thought about it a little bit, I’m not going to lie,” Sullivan told NHL.com’s Amalie Benjamin. “It’s an incredible opportunity, I think, for all of us as a family. ... The opportunity to coach him in an event like this is a great thrill for me. He’s a great kid, first and foremost. He’s a fierce competitor. I know, at some point in our lives, we’ll look back on it with a whole lot of gratitude to have the opportunity to work together.

“... To have the opportunity to coach my son-in-law in an event like this, someday I think we’ll look back on it and smile with just having the opportunity to work together like that.”

McAvoy — who was named an alternate captain for Team USA — added that he’s looking forward to playing for Sullivan — but the focus is trying to win the tournament.

The Bruins defenseman and his wife, Kiley, recently welcomed their first child — a son named Rhys.

"His dad got to play for his grandpa," McAvoy told Benjamin. “How incredible that is and just how rare.”

McAvoy and Team USA play their first game of the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off on Feb. 13 against Team Finland at 8 p.m.