Dave Lewis

Former Detroit Red Wings coach Dave Lewis, seen here playing in a Saginaw Spirit Shocks and Saves game, will join the Spirit staff as a defensive consultant.

(John Ehlke | MLive.com File)

SAGINAW, MI -- The Saginaw Spirit added a little Detroit Red Wings flavor to its coaching staff with the addition of former Red Wings coach Dave Lewis.

Lewis, the Red Wings' head coach for two seasons, joins Spirit head coach Moe Mantha as the team's defensive consultant.

"I would like to thank (Spirit President) Craig Goslin and (Spirit General Manager) Dave Drinkill for this opportunity to mold the hockey minds of these young defensemen," Lewis said in a press release. "Now that the timing is right for everyone, it's a great opportunity to come in and help out. The Spirit could have the next Nicklas Lidstrom on their roster right now. That is what I am here to find out."

Lewis, 62, played 15 seasons in the NHL with the New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils and Red Wings, joining the Red Wings coaching staff in 1988.

Lewis was an assistant coach for three Stanley Cups with the Red Wings in 1997, 1998 and 2002, becoming the head coach in 2003 and 2004 and leading Detroit to two first-place finishes in the Central Division.

But he was just 6-10 in the playoffs in those two seasons and lost his job after the 2004-05 season. He is currently the head coach of the Belarusian National Team.

"As an organization we are thrilled to add someone with the experience and expertise that Dave Lewis can bring to the Saginaw Spirit," Drinkill said in a press release. "As the team's new defensive consultant, he will work closely with our coaching staff for the rest of the season, ensuring that our players will maximize the skills they have and help take their game to another level."

The Spirit play at Erie Saturday and Hamilton Sunday.