SPRINGFIELD, Mass. American International College head hockey coach Gary Wright has announced the hiring of Stephen Wiedler as assistant coach effective immediately.

Wiedler joins AIC after spending the past two seasons as lead assistant at Division III Curry College in Milton, Mass.

"We are especially pleased that Steve will be joining our staff" commented Wright. "He has two years of college coaching and recruiting experience and, most importantly, he wants a career in coaching."

During his time with the Colonials, Wiedler was responsible for recruiting, coaching the defense, on-ice skills development, off-ice strength and conditioning, and video analysis among other duties. Curry has posted a 26-24-4 record since 2013 including back-to-back trips to the ECAC Northeast Semifinals.

As a collegiate hockey player, Wiedler attended the University of Southern Maine as a defender and served as team captain during his senior season of 2010-11. So, it is possible that he will work primarily with the defense, once he joins the Jackets, as well as assisting with recruiting and video analysis.

Wiedler graduated from USM in 2011 with a degree in history before embarking on a two-year professional career with the Knoxville Ice Bears of the Southern Professional Hockey League. He saw time in over 100 games including playing his rookie season with current graduate assistant coach Mike Towns in 2011-12.

"I am extremely excited to become a part of the AIC family" mentioned Wiedler. "Coach Wright's ability to put together quality teams that play the game the right way with heart, class, and respect made me jump at the opportunity to work alongside him."