McAvoy is married to Sullivan’s daughter Kiley, who recently gave birth to the couple’s first child. McAvoy plays defense for the Boston Bruins, Sullivan coaches the Pittsburgh Penguins and their careers had not overlapped until now, when they’re on the same team with the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan is finally getting his chance to coach at the highest level of USA Hockey, as his team will take on Finland Thursday night to open its bid at the 4 Nations Face-off in Montreal. But for Sullivan, it's not just an international tournament, however large-scale that is. For him, it's a bit more personal.

Charlie McAvoy and Mike Sullivan have a strong connection off the ice that goes way beyond hockey. McAvoy is married to Sullivan’s daughter Kiley, who recently gave birth to the couple’s first child.

The NHL 4 Nations Face-Off has a layered meaning for Team USA coach Mike Sullivan. Not only does the Pittsburgh Penguins coach have the chance to coach some of the United States' most talented hockey players, he has the opportunity to coach his son-in-law, Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy.

Bill Guerin's pick to lead USA on the ice was a no-brainer: "Sully is the right guy for this job. And it’s not just because of his resume."

Charlie McAvoy has taken some hits. Oh, not the ones delivered by opponents in the heat of the battle on the ice, although he’s no stranger to those. These fall into the category of friendly fire delivered in the friendly confines of the locker room.