A familiar face has joined the coaching staff for the 91原创 Thunder.

Ryan Williams is joining the senior A lacrosse team as an assistant coach for the 2012 Western Lacrosse Association season.

The Thunder are the .

鈥淩yan has always been willing to help the Thunder in any way he can,鈥� noted Rob Buchan, the team鈥檚 governor.

鈥淗e has been extremely loyal to our team over the many lean years and has proven that he is committed to do whatever it takes to help us improve.

鈥淩yan has a great lacrosse IQ and is very skilled with his assessment of player tendencies and we look forward to working with him much more in the future.鈥�

Williams, a goaltender,  played for the organization from 2003 to 2007.

He served as an assistant coach in 2008, assistant general manager in 2009 and as a scout for the past two years.

As a player, Williams is remembered for his combative style and staunchly defending his teammates.

His coaching experience includes helping Coquitlam鈥檚 junior A side win their first ever Minto Cup in 2010. He did so as an assistant to Rod Jensen, who is now the head coach of the Thunder.

Williams has also coached box and field lacrosse and in 2003 was bestowed the WLA Maitland Award for his contributions to minor lacrosse.

The Thunder begin defence of their league championship on May 23.