Rudrud Named Wild Associate Head Coach

Rudrud spend the last two seasons in Independence, Mo., working with the U18 and U16 Tier 1 Russell Stover programs. Prior to that, he spent nine seasons in the USHL, eight of which were as an assistant under Littler.

"Tom brings a wealth of experience to the position," Littler said. "He is a good teacher, a good recruiter and a good team player."

Rudrud was an assistant for the USHL's Topeka Scarecrows from 2000 through 2003 before moving on to serve in the same capacity with the Tri-City Storm for five seasons. Rudrud served as head coach of the Storm in 2008-09.

"The Wild are a pretty rich organization, as far as the success they've had in the past," Rudrud said, "and I look forward to helping coach Littler and the Wild continue their success."

Rudrud began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Mankato State University. He earned his first assistant position in 1986 at Ferris State University, his alma mater. After seven years as an assistant at Ferris State, Rudrud moved on to a 3-year stint as an assistant at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

In 1996, Rudrud began a 4-year stay in the NAHL as head coach and general manager of the Danville Wings (1996-1998) and Grand Rapids Rockets (1998-2000).

A native of Bloomington, Minn., Rudrud was in Wenatchee over the weekend for the tryout camp at the Town Toyota Center. More than 115 players took part in the event, including some returners from last year's team and most of the team's 2012-13 tenders.

"I thought it was a very good camp," Littler said. "We were happy with the returners and the tenders from this past winter."

While it was beneficial for returning players and tenders, the camp was most useful for the many free agents in attendance who were auditioning for a roster spot.

"We were able to evaluate a lot of players. Most were free agents coming in trying to make the team, and we definitely had a few that were impressive," said Littler, mentioning that several players from the camp were invited to the Wild's main training camp, which will begin on Aug. 20.

The Wild's last tryout camp will take place July 13-15 at Ice Ranch in Littleton, Col. There are still openings for the camp. Log on to www.wenatcheewild.com for registration information.

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North American Hockey League Stories from July 5, 2012

• Bobcat Alum Faragher Prepares for Penguins Camp - Bismarck Bobcats
• Rudrud Named Wild Associate Head Coach - Wenatchee Wild

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