MONTREAL — Charlie McAvoy said while it is unique, it doesn’t feel as unusual as it might look.
In addition to being McAvoy’s coach on Team USA for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, Mike Sullivan is also the Bruins defenseman’s father-in-law.
But for many of his teammates and the reporters asking the questions who all can’t imagine playing for their own fathers-in-law, it remains a curiosity.
“It’s fun. Everybody gets it at this point in the hockey world,” McAvoy said looking amused as he covered familiar ground. “I know it’s kind of more broadcasted now and especially on display for this tournament, but my friends all know. Everybody really knows, so it’s certainly funnier now and easier to make a couple of jokes about it.”
Team USA/Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger, who knew Kiley McAvoy, then Kiley Sullivan, when both were students at BU, claimed he’d steered clear of the wisecracks.
“I don’t want Sully to overhear and then get mad at me,” he said.
Jokes aside, it’s been special for both men.
“We both made it to the top tier that we can for our country and that in itself is such an accomplishment,” McAvoy said. “It’s definitely been unique getting to see his coaching style. … At the end of the day, like we both worked to be here. It’s an incredible honor to be here together. It just so happens that we have a familiar relationship, and that in itself makes us even more special.”
Sullivan said this experience will be special for them no matter what happens, but success on the ice will enhance the memory off of it.
“I can’t tell you what it means to our family and myself to have the opportunity to participate in an event like this with Charlie,” Sullivan said. “He means the world to us for obvious reasons. He’s a terrific person. We’re, we’re thrilled that he’s part of our family,” Sullivan said. “I said to him, ‘Listen, when we’re in the tournament here, it’s all business and we’re we’re trying to win.’ He’s all business and I’m all business and we’re trying to win. Someday we’re gonna look back on it we’re gonna smile and we’re gonna appreciate this, this opportunity that we have. To be able to share it with him is a thrill for me and my whole family, quite honestly.”
The timing and logistics were ideal for Sullivan. When the tournament moves to Boston next week, he’ll get a chance to both compete for a trophy and meet his newborn grandson.
United States coach Mike Sullivan speaks to the media following a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey practice in Brossard, Quebec, on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)AP
Kiley and Charlie welcomed Rhys Michael McAvoy to the world on Jan. 26. Grandpa hasn’t had a chance to meet the almost-three-week-old boy yet. In most seasons, it would have been logistically challenging to make that happen. But playing in Boston makes it easy.
McAvoy was looking forward to the introduction.
“This is their second (grandchild) Kylie’s sister, Kaitlin had a baby a year ago,” he said. “I see how he interacts with her and he’s a great grandpa so I can’t wait for him to meet Rhys. I know that he’s really excited when we get back to Boston to finally meet him.”
Sullivan confirmed that.
“For my wife and I, it’s an incredible thrill. It’s certainly, a privilege to be a grandparent and we’re enjoying that process also. He’s only 2 weeks old. It’s exciting times for our family. This event just adds to the excitement. From my standpoint, I can’t tell you what it means to me to have the opportunity to share in this event with him.”
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