Anaheim Ducks have hired Cranbrook native Scott Niedermayer as an assistant coach.

Niedermayer retired from the NHL at the end of the 2010 season and remained with the Ducks as a Hockey Operations consultant.

He will join Bruce Boudreau's coaching staff immediately. Niedermayer is joined by fellow assistant coaches Bob Woods and Brad Lauer, and video coordinator Joe Piscotty.

"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."

"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."