Former RPI hockey standout forward Brad Tapper is joining the professional coaching ranks.

Tapper, 32, has been hired as an assistant coach by the ECHL's Florida Everblades, it was announced today.

Tapper played for the Engineers from 1997-2000. In his junior year 1999-2000, Tapper had 31 goals and 20 assists to help RPI reach the ECAC Hockey tournament championship game.

Following that season, Tapper signed a contract with the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers. He played in 71 games in parts of three seasons with the Thrashers and had 14 goals and 11 assists. He was part of championship teams with the International Hockey League's Orlando Solar Bears in 2001, and the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves in 2002.

From 2004-09, Tapper played in Germany. He had a five-game stint with the AHL's Philadelphia Phantoms in 2006-07.

"Brad played for me for a year in Germany, so he knows my style of coaching," Everblades coach Greg Poss said. "He's hungry to move up in the coaching ranks, and he has a year of coaching experience at the junior level last year. As a player, Brad was a very good offensive player who will be able to utilize his experience, especially with our forwards."