Sean Avery Credits John Tortorella With Helping Him Move to Second Career

“I haven’t watched a game since I retired,” says Avery. “I have a pretty demanding schedule, a new career. I’m more interested in that, really. I’m immersed in it. I had a great career. I loved playing. It’s a great sport, but it has nothing to do with my current life.”

Asked to comment on Rangers coach John Tortorella, who Avery tweeted was a “clown” earlier this year, the former NHL agitator chuckles and trails off. “Yeah, no,” before throwing a bit of a curveball.

“(Tortorella) actually probably was one of the best things that ever happened to me. A month after I was done playing, I made the transition to what is a dream job for most people,” says Avery. “Part of it was the relationship that I had with him as a coach. It definitely helped me make the transition and have a successful career.”