Blue Jackets say new associate coach Hartsburg is resource with lots of league experience

Team Canada head coach Craig Hartsburg calls to players during a practice session at the World Junior Hockey Championship Thursday Jan. 3, 2008 in Pardubice, Czech Republic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Veteran NHL coach Craig Hartsburg is joining the Columbus Blue Jackets as associate coach.

Head coach Todd Richards announced the move Wednesday, noting the former All-Star defenceman has experience at every level of hockey. Details of the deal weren't released.

The 52-year-old Hartsburg has served as head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks and Ottawa Senators. His clubs went to the playoffs in three of his five full seasons as head coach.

Last season, he was associate coach for the Calgary Flames. He also has led teams in the Western Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and the World Junior Hockey Championships.

As an NHL player, he had 98 goals and 315 assists over 10 seasons with the Minnesota North Stars.