Niedermayer To Return To Bench

Photo by Debora Robinson/NHL via Getty Images

Anaheim, CA – Fan favorite Scott Niedermayer was announced as an assistant to coach Bruce Boudreau for the season by an official release today. Niedermayer had been a hockey operations consultant for the Ducks after retiring at the end of the 2009-10 season. The former defenseman will join fellow assistants Bob Woods and Brad Lauer, and video coordinator Joe Piscotty on the bench.

"“I’m very excited to expand my role with the Ducks and take on a new challenge,” said Niedermayer. “I’m grateful to Bob Murray, Bruce Boudreau and the Ducks organization for giving me this opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”"

The 39 year old former captain helped guide the team to the Cup in 2007. He is the only player to have won a Stanley Cup (4), Olympic gold medal (2002, 2010), World Championship (2004), World Cup, Memorial Cup (2004) and World Junior title (1991). To date, no other player other than Niedermayer has even won five of those six competitions.

"“As a player, Scott was one of the great leaders and winners of all time, making him a tremendous addition to our coaching staff,” said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray. “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.”"

This addition should be a huge boast as the Ducks look to climb out of the cellar of the Pacific Division.