Mike Stapleton, a 14-year NHL veteran and an assistant coach in the Ontario Hockey League since 2006, has been named assistant coach of the Syracuse Crunch, the Ducks’ AHL affiliate.

Stapleton spent four seasons as an assistant and associate coach in the OHL with Sault Ste. Marie (2008-10) and Erie (2006-08).The 44-year-old began his professional coaching career as an assistant coach for Traverse City of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) in 2005-06.

Stapleton played in 697 regular-season NHL games with the Blackhawks, Penguins, Oilers, Jets/Coyotes, Thrashers, Islanders and Canucks, collecting 71 goals, 182 points and 342 penalty minutes.

Traditionally AHL teams keep only one assistant coach.