John Tortorella won’t take part in All-Star weekend
Blue Jackets Coach John Tortorella gives instructions during the third period of a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Nov. 13, 2015.
Columbus Blue Jackets Coach John Tortorella will not participate in this weekend’s NHL All-Star game at Staples Center because of a family emergency, the team announced Thursday.
Tortorella missed the Blue Jackets’ game Thursday’s because of the situation.
“Regrettably, there is a personal matter that requires my immediate attention that will force me to leave the team temporarily and miss the All-Star game in Los Angeles,” Tortorella said in a release.
“This decision was not made lightly, as representing the Columbus Blue Jackets is something I am very proud of, but it is the right decision for my family and I.”
Tortorella said he hoped to return next week. Assistant coaches Brad Larsen and Brad Shaw will handle Columbus coaching duties in the interim.
Tortorella was to coach the Metropolitan Division for Saturday’s skills competition and Sunday’s three-on-three tournament, based on having the team with the highest points percentage in the division through Jan.10. Tortorella has guided the Blue Jackets to a 32-11-4 record in his second season in Columbus.
The other All-Star coaches are Michel Therrien of the Montreal Canadiens (Atlantic), Bruce Boudreau of the Minnesota Wild (Central) and Peter DeBoer of the San Jose Sharks (Pacific).
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