Tampa Bay Lightning's John Tortorella has been named United States coach for the world championship in May.

Tortorella, who is in his seventh season as Tampa Bay coach, guided the Lightning to the franchise's only Stanley Cup in 2004.

His team are tied with the Los Angeles Kings for last place in the league.

"We're certainly pleased to have someone with John Tortorella's credentials coaching our world championship team," said Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations at USA Hockey.

"He's had a lot of success in his career, including winning the Stanley Cup, and knows what it takes to win at the highest level," Johannson added in a statement.

Winner of the Jack Adams trophy as coach of the year in 2004, Tortorella is the most successful American-born coach to work in the NHL.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the International Ice Hockey Federation, the world championship will be staged in Canada for the first time from May 2-18 at Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Reuters