Ron Wilson is headed back to the Olympics with the U.S. men's hockey team.
USA Hockey will name Wilson its coach for the 2010 Vancouver Games on Monday, a source told The Canadian Press on Friday.
But the Toronto Maple Leafs coach, who was also behind the bench at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, remained mum Friday morning when asked about the prospect of returning to the Games.
"If I am named, it would be a tremendous honour, but as far as I know nothing's going to be determined until Monday," Wilson told reporters in Philadelphia where the Leafs were preparing to face the Flyers.
The 53-year-old was born in Windsor, Ont., and is a citizen of both the U.S. and Canada.
He has a long history of working for USA Hockey. Wilson's most successful stint with the U.S. national was at the 1996 World Cup when he coached the squad that upset Canada in the three-game final.
He also coached the U.S. at the 2004 World Cup and two IIHF World Hockey Championships.
Those experiences have helped him develop an appreciation for international hockey.
"I've been fortunate enough to probably coach more games than anybody," said Wilson. "It's a lot of fun. It's a challenge. It's a short-term event, short-term preparation.
"The tremendous pride you have when you represent your country. Whether you're representing Canada or the United States, when they play the anthems there's nothing better."
Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is in charge of assembling the U.S. Olympic team. He and Wilson are also old friends dating back to their days playing at Providence College.
The Olympic tournament has evolved since Wilson's first involvement. None of the teams had summer orientation camps before the 1998 Games; the U.S. team will gather in Chicago for four days this August.
One thing that remains unchanged is the amount of pressure that comes with the job.
"It's intense scrutiny, but it's a lot of fun," said Wilson.
