Rick Tocchet

Former professional hockey forward Rick Tocchet was named the interim head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 14, 2008, following the dismissal of Barry Melrose.ESPN.com: Tocchet to Take over As Interim Coach After Melrose Gets Fired Tocchet previously played in the National Hockey League from 1984 until 2002.

Tocchet began his career in the Ontario Hockey League playing for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, starting in 1981. He was selected 121st overall in the 1983 NHL draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. He made his NHL debut in 1984, playing over eight seasons with the team, then was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992. Tocchet went on to play for the Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals and Phoenix Coyotes before returning to the Flyers, where he finished his playing career in 2002.Legends of Hockey: Rick Tocchet

In 2006, while serving as an assistant coach to the Phoenix Coyotes, Tocchet was accused of running a nationwide betting ring with Janet Jones, the wife of Coyotes coach and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky. He took a leave of absence from the team and was charged with conspiracy and promoting gambling. Tocchet pleaded guilty to the charges in May of 2007, in return for a reduced sentence of two years probation. He served his probation and returned to the Coyotes in February of 2008.Legends of Hockey: Rick Tocchet