Ted Nolan picked to head up Polish men's national team

Garden River's Ted Nolan has been hired as the new head coach by the Polish Ice Hockey Federation to become the new coach of the men's national team.

The 59-year-old takes over after the contract of now-former coach Jacek Plachta was not renewed.

The former Soo Greyhounds coach said he's excited for the new challenge.

“I love challenges,” said Nolan in a release.  “I’ve always been an underdog my whole life. When this opportunity came and seeing where Polish hockey has been for a while, hopefully I can make a difference and rise up to a higher level.”

Nolan spent five seasons with the Greyhounds, which included three trips to the Memorial Cup, culminating with a title in 1993. He also spent one season as coach of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Moncton Wildcats.

His professional coaching career includes two stints with the Buffalo Sabres from 1995 to 1997 and 2013 to 15. He also coached the New York Islanders from 2006 to 2008. 

From 2011 to 2014, Nolan coached the Latvian national team.