"A hometown kid grows up cheering for the Sabres, winds up beating them en route to the Stanley Cup and returns home to help coach them in their quest to win a Stanley Cup? It would sound like a corny sports fairytale if it weren't true, but actually it's a brief synopsis of the life and times of Kevyn Adams.

Adams was introduced as Sabres coach Lindy Ruff's newest assistant Wednesday during a news briefing in HSBC Arena. He cheered for the Sabres as a kid growing up in Clarence and watched Ruff and his teammates play many a game in Memorial Auditorium before reaching the NHL.

"It's big for me," a beaming Adams said. "Even when I was playing, I had a house in Chautauqua Lake and would always come back to Western New York in the offseason. My family is here. I told my dad [Tuesday], the first thing he said was, 'I remember going to games and sitting in the top row of the oranges.' It's a big deal for me and my family. I'm thrilled."

Adams was given high marks last season as a player-development coach, particularly for his work with wingers Nathan Gerbe and Drew Stafford. Gerbe struggled in the first half of the season but took off under Adams' guidance and scored 15 of his 16 goals in the final 39 games. Stafford had career highs in goals (31) and points (52).

"I quickly realized when I started in the development role that I loved the teaching, loved being on the ice, loved the coaching, loved the video part," Adams said. "You learn so much when you come into an organization. You learn so much about the other parts of hockey that you don't think about when you play."

Ruff's decision came as little surprise after Adams spent 1 1/2 seasons on his staff, but it was hardly a formality. Ruff spoke with some 30 coaches about the vacancy before promoting Adams. Ruff is considering adding another player to fill Adams' slot, but he wants Adams to continue his work with younger players.

Ruff, Adams and assistant coach James Patrick will sort out their exact duties before training camp. Ruff wanted the three of them involved in special-teams work and expected Adams to provide new ideas. Adams, more than anything, brings energy and smarts, both of which defined his playing career.

"What Kevyn had that trumped everything was a great relationship with our players," Ruff said. "He's eager. He's anxious. He's got some great ideas. He worked hard at the position he was at. He won a Stanley Cup and knows what it takes to win. I like that enthusiasm.""