Tampa Bay Lightning hire Mike Vernon to front-office position

TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Lightning continue to fill out their front office.

New owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie announced Thursday that the Lightning had hired former NHL goalie Mike Vernon as special assistant to Brian Lawton, the team's vice president of hockey operations. Vernon's duties will be to assist in hockey-related matters and to help with the team's goaltenders.

"The Tampa Bay Lightning are thrilled to add a former Stanley Cup champion to our staff," Lawton said in a release. "Mike's past experience and knowledge will be a true benefit to the organization and it will be critical to us as we continue to make changes within the team to improve it."

Vernon is a five-time all-star who played 17 seasons for Calgary, Detroit, San Jose and Florida. He won the Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1989 and Red Wings in 1997.

The 45-year-old retired in 2002.