WENATCHEE — Tom Rudrud was named associate head coach of the Wenatchee Wild on Thursday, once again joining forces with longtime coaching mate Bliss Littler.

Rudrud was in Wenatchee over the weekend for the team’s tryout camp at the Town Toyota Center, which featured 115 players, including a handful of returners, most of the team’s 2012 tenders and free agents looking to make the squad.

Rudrud spent nine seasons in the USHL from 2000-2009, eight as a member of Littler’s staff.

He served as head coach of the Tri-City Storm in 2009, and was the head coach of the Danville Wings (1996-98) and the Grand Rapids Rockets (1998-2000) in the NAHL.

“The Wild are a pretty rich organization, as far as the success they’ve had in the past,” Rudrud, a native of Bloomington, Minn., said in a team press release. “I look forward to helping Coach Littler and the Wild continue their success.”

Rudrud completes a staff that includes Littler, hired as the team’s head coach and general manager in May, and Chris Clark, entering his fifth season as a team assistant.

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

The Wild will gather more potential players at their final tryout camp in Littleton, Colo. from July 13-15 before the main training camp begins in Wenatchee on Aug. 20.

The Wild kick off the 2012-13 season at the NAHL Showcase Tournament in Blaine, Minn. on Sept. 12.

The team’s first home game isn’t until Oct. 26.

Brian Adamowsky: 664-7157

adamowsky@wenatcheeworld.com