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Lightning add Gwozdecky to coaching staff

Denver Pioneers v North Dakota Fighting Sioux

COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 9: Head coach George Gwozdecky of the Denver Pioneers smiles as his team accepts their awards after their victory over the North Dakota Fighting Sioux in the NCAA Frozen Four Championship game on April 9, 2005 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Denver defeated North Dakota 4-1, winning back-to-back titles. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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The Tampa Bay Lightning have hired former University of Denver bench boss George Gwozdecky as an assistant coach.

“We are pleased to add George to the coaching staff,” Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said in a release. “He brings a wealth of experience to the bench and we feel he will be a valuable addition to the organization.”

Gwozdecky, 60, was fired as head coach of the Pioneers in April after 19 seasons -- and two national championships -- with DU.

“I am excited to be joining the Tampa Bay Lightning coaching staff and am really looking forward to working with outstanding coaches like Jon (Cooper), Steve (Thomas) and Rick (Bowness),” Gwozdecky said. “The opportunity to coach in an organization with such highly-respected ownership and excellent front office leadership, as well as a talented mix of veteran and young players in a great community like Tampa Bay is the chance of a lifetime.”