Coach Torchetti Making Wild Fans Of His Boston Family
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – There's no question that half the fun of being in the quest for the Stanley Cup is sharing it with friends and family.
That certainly goes for Wild interim coach John Torchetti, who checks in with his mom out in Boston each and every day.
"Mom was with me when I won three championships as player and as a coach, so she's my good luck charm," Torchetti said ahead of Wednesday's must-win playoff game against the Dallas Stars.
Barbara Torchetti says she's very proud of her son, adding that it's been "nerve-racking" to watch the series against the Stars.
On Monday night, Barbara and the coach's sister and two nephews were among the home crowd at Xcel Energy Center to witness the Wild's fantastic comeback.
"Oh it was great," Barbara said. "Everyone cheering and waving their towels, it was great."
To most fans, Torchetti seems all business, but there's a softer side. Barb says her son calls her every day to talk hockey and check in.
Now, Barbara and several others in the family have found themselves turning from Bruins fans to sporting Wild gear.
"[Torchetti is] the hardest working guy I know," said the coach's nephew, Mike Craven. "He comes to the rink the earliest and leaves the latest. That's just the type of guy he is."
Barbara and the rest of the family say they'll be back supporting Torchetti and the team for as long as it takes.