Patrick, a 21-year NHL defenseman, most recently served as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Sabres over the past seven seasons, working under Ruff from 2006-13, as well as Ron Rolston to finish out the 2012-13 campaign. Prior to becoming an assistant coach in Buffalo, he began the 2005-06 season as their skill development coach before finishing his playing career for Frankfurt of the German Elite League.

A first-round selection (ninth overall) in the 1981 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers, Patrick currently stands 20th amongst all NHL defensemen in games played (1,280), 29th in assists (490) and 30th in points (149-490=639). Over the course of his playing career, he spent time with the Rangers, Hartford, Calgary and Buffalo and appeared in the 1999 Stanley Cup Final with Buffalo against Dallas.

Patrick, 50, had a decorated international career, having won championships for Team Canada at the 1982 World Junior Championship and 1987 Canada Cup, as well as bronze with the 1983 World Junior team. He also represented Canada at the 1984 Winter Olympics and the 1983, 1987, 1998 and 2002 World Championships.

The native of Winnipeg, Manitoba attended the University of North Dakota for two seasons (1981-83), winning the NCAA National Championship in 1982 while being named to the NCAA National Championship All-Tournament Team.