Wolves assistant gets job with Atlanta Thrashers

Chicago Wolves assistant Todd Nelson has been hired as an assistant for the Atlanta Thrashers, the Wolves' NHL affiliate. This marks the first NHL coaching position for Nelson, who joins former Wolves head coach John Anderson behind the Thrashers bench.

Nelson spent two seasons with the Wolves, which includes helping pilot the squad to the 2008 Calder Cup championship this year. He was also a member of the Wolves' coaching staff during the team's run to the 2007 Western Conference final.

"On behalf of the entire Chicago Wolves organization, I would like to congratulate Todd on this tremendous opportunity," said Wolves GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. "Todd was an integral part of our success as a franchise these past two seasons and will be a great addition to the Atlanta Thrashers coaching staff. "

The Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, native also served as head coach of the United Hockey League's Muskegon Fury, where he earned back-to-back Colonial Cup Championships in 2004 and 2005, and a third straight semifinal appearance in 2006, before joining the Wolves at the start of the 2006-07 campaign.

Pittsburgh's fourth choice, 79th overall, in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, Nelson played 12 seasons of professional hockey, which includes stints with the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. He collected 131 assists, 168 points and 223 penalty minutes in 306 career American Hockey League games with the Portland Pirates, Hershey Bears, Rochester Americans and Grand Rapids Griffins and captured the 1994 Calder Cup Championship as a member of the Pirates.