Wickenheiser joins Maple Leafs in player development role

The Toronto Maple Leafs are making a legendary addition to their front office.

Hayley Wickenheiser has been hired as the team's new assistant director of player development, the club announced along with several other moves Thursday morning.

Wickenheiser won four Olympic gold medals for Canada and seven World Championship golds. She is the all-time points leader for the nation's women's hockey program with 379 in 276 games and was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2011.

The 40-year-old former forward was a trailblazer in the sport, becoming the first woman to play full-time professional hockey in a position other than goaltender.

She represented Canada from 1994 until her retirement last year, and now serves on the IOC's Athletes' Commission.

Wickenheiser served as a guest coach for the Maple Leafs at the club's development camp back in June.

The Leafs also announced four other moves Thursday. Scott Pellerin was promoted to senior director of player development, Stephane Robidas was named director of player development, and both Noelle Needham and Victor Carneiro were hired as amateur scouts.

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