Former NHL Assistant Coach Tocchet to Meet with NHL

Rick Tocchet, former NHL Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach, has been on a leave of absence since allegations were made that in 2006 he took part in an illegal betting ring while working with the team. Charges were made by New Jersey officials because two men said they had participated with Tocchet in taking bets or betting on hockey games. There is no evidence however to back up this claim.

The NHL did an independent investigation into the matter and found that Tocchet was involved in football bets and any involvement with NHL players or team officials was limited. Tocchet did plead guilty to conspiracy and promoting gambling. His punishment for this was two years of probation last may.

Tocchet will meet with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman this week according to ESPN.com. They are set to discuss whether or not Tocchet should return to the league. There is hope that it will be closure to this troubling time in the NHL.

After Tocchet was sentenced he was seen at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. He was playing at the start of the poker series. This may have been the wrong move since this may show that he cannot avoid gambling or gambling sceneros. The general manager for the Phoenix Coyotes, Don Maloney, is supposed to be at the meeting and Tocchet's gambling ways are sure to be the hot topic of discussion.