DETROIT - Western Michigan hockey alum and former associate head coach for the Broncos, Pat Ferschweiler, has signed a deal with the Detroit Red Wings to join the team as an assistant coach.

Ferschweiler follows former WMU head coach and recently bench boss of the Grand Rapids Griffins, Jeff Blashill, in Detroit. Blashill was announced as head coach for the Red Wings on June 9.

The Rochester, Minn., native played three seasons with the Broncos from 1990-93 before graduating early to pursue a professional hockey career. After his pro career he started the Russell Stover's hockey program in Kansas City.

Ferschweiler came back to his alma mater in 2010 when Blashill was named the head coach of Western Michigan. He helped the Broncos win a CCHA Tournament Championship in 2012 under head coach Andy Murray and was promoted to associate head coach the following season. In his four seasons at Western Michigan the Broncos saw NHL debuts of four defensemen (Matt Tennyson, Danny DeKeyser, Luke Witkowski and Jordan Oesterle) that were developed partly by Ferschweiler.