Predators President of Hockey Operations/GM David Poile announced today that Phil Housley has been named assistant coach of the team. Housley coached the USA to a gold medal at the 2013 World Junior Championships and ranks fourth all-time among NHL defensemen in points.

“Phil brings a unique skill set to our coaching staff,” Poile said. “He was one of the most talented offensive defensemen to play in the NHL, and he has worked extensively with young players during his coaching career. He will continue to focus his efforts on our young defensemen and assisting on the power play.”

Housley, 49, has spent the last nine seasons in the coaching ranks, most recently serving as an assistant for Team USA at the 2013 World Championships that took home the bronze medal, the nation’s first medal at the tournament in nine years.