Americans add Bilodeau to coaching staff

The Tri-City Americans expanded their coaching staff Monday, adding Brent Bilodeau as an assistant coach. Bilodeau joins head coach Jim Hiller and associate coach Scott Beattie.

"I've known Brent for many years, both as a player with Seattle and as a coach," said Americans general manager Bob Tory. "I was impressed with his character, passion and knowledge of the game. I decided that this would be a good time to expand our coaching staff."

Bilodeau, a former first round NHL draft pick by the Montreal Canadiens in 1991, wrapped up a 17-year playing career in 2005 before joining the coaching ranks as an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL.

In 2008, Bilodeau took the reigns as head coach of the Central Hockey League's Wichita Thunder before being replaced early into the 2009-10 season.

A defenseman from Clyde, Alberta, Bilodeau started his major junior career with the Seattle Thunderbirds in 1989, playing two full seasons with the T-birds before being traded to Swift Current, where he finished out his WHL career.

The Americans will open their rookie camp Wednesday and their main camp Aug. 30.

This story was originally published August 24, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Americans add Bilodeau to coaching staff ."