Anaheim, CA

The Anaheim Ducks have added their former player Scott Niedermayer as assistant coach, calling him a "tremendous addition" to their coaching staff.

A four-time Stanley Cup champion as a player, Niedermayer helped the Ducks won hockey's most prestigious prize in 2007.

Now, the Ducks are convinced that Niedermayer can help the team return to old glory as one of the mentors.

Niedermayer joins current assistant coaches Bob Woods and Brad Lauer and video coordinator Joe Piscotty in head mentor Bruce Boudreau's coaching staff.

"As a player, Scott was one of the great leaders and winners of all time, making him a tremendous addition to our coaching staff," Ducks GM Bob Murray said.

"His knowledge of the game and relationship with the players will be a great benefit for us. And he's even a better person than a hockey player," Murray added.

Before accepting the assistant coaching gig, Niedermayer worked as the Ducks' hockey operations consultant since his retirement as a player in 2010.

Niedermayer worked with the Ducks' prospects in the American Hockey League, which he said sparked his interest in taking a larger role with the NHL team.

"The last couple years, having worked with players down in [AHL] Syracuse and Norfolk at the start of this year, I realized that I do enjoy it -- maybe more than I thought as a player," Niedermayer said.

"Talking with Bob and his ideas as to what would help with the organization, he thought this might be something that would be worthwhile. I'm excited about the chance to try and help," he added.

Boudreau said Niedermayer will be a tremendous asset to his coaching staff.

"Let's realize Scotty is one of the greatest players that ever played the game," he said. "And his knowledge of the game is paramount. Players of his ilk, they see things that you don't see. And that kind of input is always invaluable."

Niedermayer said he wants to work with the younger players, especially 21-year-old defenseman Cam Fowler, who will be entering his third season.

"Two things stand out," Niedermayer said of Fowler. "He's obviously a great skater, and in the game today that's a huge asset to have. He can get to where he needs to get at any point, with or without the puck. And he's a smart player."

Copyright © 2012 AHN - All Rights Reserved