Lambert joins Sound Tigers staff

The American Hockey League’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, top affiliate of the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders, have announced the hiring of Lane Lambert as an assistant coach. Lambert joins Pat Bingham, who was also named an assistant last week, on the staff of Sound Tigers head coach Dave Baseggio.

“I feel very fortunate to have coaches of this caliber joining my staff. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and I expect a lot of work out of them,” said Baseggio. “I am confident that we will work well together, as they will bring a lot of fresh ideas to the staff, and each possesses an outstanding knowledge of the game that will help our young team as we move forward.”

Lambert, 40, joins the Sound Tigers after serving as head coach of the Western Hockey League’s Prince George Cougars for the past two seasons and an assistant coach for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the same league in 2002-03. The Melfort, Sask., native was once a teammate of Baseggio’s with the International Hockey League’s Cleveland Lumberjacks, for whom he played parts of three seasons, 1996-99.

Lambert’s professional playing career spanned 18 years (1983-2001) and more than 900 games, including 283 in the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and Quebec Nordiques. A 1986 Calder Cup champion with the Adirondack Red Wings, Lambert appeared in 115 career AHL games with Adirondack, New Haven and Halifax. He also won an IHL championship with Houston in 1999.

“With Lane, we have an experienced coach with the ability to teach and communicate. He brings us years of high-level performance, not only as a former player, but as a head coach. I’m certain he will make a big impact with the development of our young players and the success of the Sound Tigers this season,” said Baseggio.

Lambert and Bingham will assume their duties with the Sound Tigers in the next few weeks.