ANN ARBOR, Mich. - J.D. Forrest (Auburn, N.Y.) will serve as intern assistant coach for the U.S. National Under-18 Team, part of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, during the 2014-15 season, it was announced today.

A draft pick of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2000, Forrest recently completed an 11-year professional career that included stints with teams in the ECHL, American and in Europe.

Prior to his time in professional hockey, Forrest patrolled the blue line for Boston College from 2000-04. While with the Eagles, he appeared in 144 games and registered 24 goals and 73 assists. Forrest was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team in 2001 and was a member of Team USA that same year at the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship in Russia. In 2002-03, he was an NCAA All-America Second Team selection.

Forrest is an original member of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program (1997-2000). He skated for the first U.S. squad that participated in the IIHF Men's Under-18 World Championship (1999) and contributed three points (1-2) in six games.

Forrest ranks first in career games played with the NTDP (208) and is also tied for the lead in career assists (88) along with Patrick Kane (Buffalo, N.Y./2004-06). Additionally, he holds the NTDP record for career points by a defenseman (111), with his 1999-2000 campaign ranking sixth best among blue-liners for a single season (41) ... Forrest's cousins, Chad Morin (Auburn, N.Y./2003-05) and Jeremy Morin (Auburn, N.Y./2007-09), both skated for the NTDP.