Thu Feb 7 05:21:43 2008

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Tocchet returns to Coyotes

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Phoenix, AZ (Sports Network) - Rick Tocchet was welcomed back to the Phoenix Coyotes coaching staff after a two-year absence for his involvement with a gambling ring, the team announced Wednesday.

League commissioner Gary Bettman had previously announced that Tocchet would be eligible to return to duty on February 7, 2008.

In compliance with that ruling, Tocchet will jump right back into his duties, attending practice on Thursday. He will also return to the bench as part of head coach Wayne Gretzky's staff for the team's game against Columbus on the same day.

Tocchet's two-year leave of absence came following accusations that he was involved in a massive betting ring based in southern New Jersey. He later pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and promoting gambling, both in the third degree.