LINCOLN, Neb.--For the second time in as many days, a former Fighting Sioux standout has joined the coaching staff of an organization with which he used to play.

First, former UND offensive lineman Tim Prinsen was named offensive line coach of the Edmonton Eskimos. Now, former Sioux defenseman Andy Schneider has hung up the skates after being hired as an assistant coach with the United States Hockey League's Lincoln Stars.

Schneider will work under head coach Chad Johnson, another former Sioux who played for UND from 1990 to 1993.

Schneider spent three seasons (1998-01) playing for the Stars and served as team captain during both Anderson Cup championship seasons in 1999-00 and 2000-01. He was named All-USHL Second Team in 2000-01 after posting 36 points (12g, 24a) in 54 regular season games. A two-time USHL All-Star Game selection (2000 and 2001), Schneider amassed 57 points (19g, 38a) and 244 penalty minutes over 109 career games in the League. He also contributed 20 points (9g, 11a) and 46 penalty minutes in 24 USHL Clark Cup Playoff games.

After leaving the Stars, Schneider enjoyed four stellar seasons on the Sioux blueline from to 2002-05, amassing 77 points (18 goals, 59 assists) and 229 penalty minutes in 159 career games. A native of Grand Forks, N.D., Schneider served as team captain of the 2004-04 Sioux squad that won the MacNaughton Cup as WCHA regular season champions. His best season was in 2002-03, when he racked up 41 points (11 goals, 30 assists) in 43 games and earned all-conference honors as a sophomore.

Schneider was a fifth round draft pick (156th overall) of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2001 and enjoyed a five-year professional playing career that included stops in the American Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League and the German Elite League.

~Go Sioux~