Michigan Tech hockey strength and conditioning coach Tyler Shelast looks on from behind the bench during a game against Alabama Huntsville on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Houghton, Mich. (David Archambeau/For the Gazette)

HOUGHTON — Tyler Shelast was named a Michigan Tech assistant hockey coach, the school announced Thursday.

Shelast, previously an 8-year strength and conditioning coach for MTU, played four years at Tech from 2004-08.

“I’m excited to announce the hiring of Tyler Shelast,” MTU head coach Joe Shawhan said. “Tyler is a high-energy coach that is passionate about Michigan Tech hockey, the university, and our community. I’m looking forward to Tyler sharing his passion on the ice with our players, and in recruiting helping us re-establish our footprint in his roots of Western Canada.”

Shelast replaces outgoing assistant Dallas Steward, who joined the coaching staff at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Northstar Christian Academy.

“I am honored and grateful to serve as an assistant coach with Michigan Tech Hockey, my alma mater,” Shelast said. “I would like to thank (MTU athletic director) Dr. Suzanne Sanregret and Joe Shawhan for this extraordinary opportunity.

“As a former professional hockey player and collegiate athlete, I know firsthand how important development is at the collegiate level. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Joe and Chris and the student-athletes to achieve our ultimate goal of bringing a National Championship to the Copper Country.”

Shelast, of Kelowna, British Columbia, scored 87 career points in 151 games for Tech, including 51 goals and 36 assists. He was an alternate captain as a senior and played five years of professional hockey, most notably signing a two-year contract with the NHL’s Dallas Stars.

Before Tech, Shelast played two seasons in the BCHL for the Powell River Kings, scoring 111 points (47 goals, 64 assists) in 103 games.