BOSTON (AP) – Boston Bruins head coach Mike Sullivan has been named an assistant coach on the 2006 United States Olympic men’s ice hockey team, USA Hockey announced Wednesday. Sullivan joins the staff of head coach Peter Laviolette, who coaches the Carolina Hurricanes.

“We’re pleased to have someone with Mike’s knowledge and passion on board to assist in guiding our Olympic team,” said Don Waddell, Team USA GM and executive VP.

The 36-year-old Sullivan became the NHL’s youngest coach when he was hired during the 2003-2004 season. He led the Bruins to the Northeast Division title with a 41-19-15-7 mark.

Sullivan spent 11 years in the NHL, playing with San Jose, Calgary, Boston, and Phoenix between 1991 and 2002.

Also, the Bruins agreed to a three-year contract with center Ben Walter. Walter was Boston’s fifth pick in the 2004 NHL entry draft.

AP-ES-08-31-05 1700EDT